Roger Russell
Roger Russell, who died in 1989 at the age of 67, was an Army Air Corps pilot during World War II, whose first career was a pilot with Northwest Orient Airlines. In 1947 he became an announcer at his Worthington, Minnesota, hometown radio station. He began a 29-year career with Midcontinent Broadcasting in 1960, joining Madison’s WKOW Radio and TV as a staff announcer. He later served as a popular television news anchor, radio program director and host of a mid-day talk show. In 1971 he became the radio station’s general manager, and with Midcontinent’s acquisition of WMFM in 1976, he became general manager of both stations, now WTSO/WZEE. His leadership of Madison stations garnered many awards including recognition in 1987 for a “Don’t Drive Drunk” public service campaign which eventually found airplay on more than 100 radio stations nationwide. A dedicated community broadcaster, his 40-year career was honored by employees who lauded him for his “good counsel, good friendship and good broadcasting”.
This man was my grandfather and was truly a great man.
Roger was my cousin, though 17 years older than me and I only knew him as a little kid. My dad knew him well and always spoke very highly of him.