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The late owner of WHLS-AM and WSAQ-FM recognized posthumously for his contributions to broadcasting and the community
The late John Wismer, owner and president of Port Huron based Wismer Broadcasting, has been recognized by the Michigan Association of Broadcasters (MAB) with the distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award. The tribute to Wismer was part of ceremonies held Tuesday, July 25 at the MAB Annual Meeting & Leadership Retreat at Boyne Mountain Resort in Boyne Falls, Michigan.
“John Wismer was one of the real pioneers and leaders in Michigan broadcasting history,” said Karole White, MAB President & CEO. “His contributions to the communities he served and to our industry were enormous.”
Wismer began his broadcasting career in 1946 as Sports Director at WHLS-AM in Port Huron. He became General Manager in 1950 and purchased the station in 1954. Wismer bought and sold stations WLAV-FM in Grand Rapids, WCSR-AM in Hillsdale, WLEW-AM/FM in Bad Axe and WAOP-AM/FM in Otsego. Wismer served as President of the MAB in 1954. He also served as President of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce from 1976-78, and was Past President of the Michigan Associated Press Radio & Television Stations. Wismer passed away in October 1999.
Wismer was also one of six Michigan broadcasters inducted into the Michigan Broadcasting Hall of Fame, during the MAB meeting. The other Hall of fame honorees were:
• John F.X Browne, John F.X Browne & Associates
• Toby Cunningham, WKBD/WWJ-TV, Detroit
• Chuck Furman, WGVU-AM/FM/TV, Grand Rapids
• Fred Jacobs, Jacobs Media, Southfield
• Luster “Les” Root, Cumulus Media-Flint
