H.R. No. 1492
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Radio station KPAN in Hereford is celebrating its
75th anniversary in 2023; and
WHEREAS, In 1948, KPAN was established by John Blake and
former state senator Marshall Formby; Mr. Formby's nephew, Clint
Formby, helped with the construction of the station, and when it
debuted on August 4, he was the first announcer to speak over its AM
frequency; two years later, Marshall Formby bought out his partner;
his nephew came on board as a partner in 1956 and eventually
purchased the station; and
WHEREAS, Clint Formby became a Texas radio legend and
Panhandle icon; a leader in the industry at the state and national
level, he also hosted what is considered the longest-running radio
broadcast by an individual; for over 55 years, he discussed a
"predictably unpredictable" variety of topics on the Day By Day
Philosopher program, and he offered listeners an array of
admonitions, including advice to tip their servers generously and
kiss their loved ones good night; and
WHEREAS, Since its inception, KPAN has played country music
and reported the local news; in the 1960s, it added an FM signal and
launched a Spanish-language music and news segment; it has been a
boon to sports fans, covering Hereford High School athletics with
live play-by-play and relaying broadcasts of Texas Tech University
football and basketball and Dallas Cowboys games; over the years,
the station has received numerous awards from the Texas Association
of Broadcasters, and it was twice named Outstanding Radio Station;
and
WHEREAS, Clint Formby's son Chip joined the station as news
director and engineer in 1978 and eventually became general manager
and owner; Chip Formby's sons, Jonathan and Lane, worked at the
station during their high school and college years; following Chip
Formby's untimely death, Lane Formby moved back home to carry on the
family legacy, and he has served as general manager since February
2021, working with his mother, Lisa Formby, who is now the majority
partner along with her two sons; and
WHEREAS, While consolidation and automation have left few
stations still serving their communities with live, local
broadcasting, KPAN continues to embody the spirit of founder
Marshall Formby's humorous slogan, "The only radio station in the
world that gives a hoot about Hereford, Texas," and area residents
are fortunate to have access to this venerable source of
entertainment, information, and enlightenment; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
Legislature hereby congratulate KPAN on its 75th anniversary and
extend to all those associated with the station sincere best wishes
for continued success; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the station as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.
Smithee
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 1492 was adopted by the House on May
19, 2023, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House