RECOGNIZING RONN OWENS FOR RECEIVING THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF
BROADCASTERS' MARCONI AWARD -- (Extensions of Remarks - October 16,
2003)
[Page: E2063]
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SPEECH OF
HON. ELLEN O. TAUSCHER
OF CALIFORNIA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2003
- Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Ronn Owens, who
received the National Association of Broadcasters' prestigious Marconi Award
for major market personality of the year on October 2, 2003.
- Ronn Owens began his broadcast career in 1968, hosting radio programs in
Atlanta, Miami, Cleveland, and Philadelphia before moving to the Bay Area and
KGO in 1975.
- Over his thirty-five year radio career, Ronn Owens has established himself
as the host of the most compelling and thought-provoking morning talk show in
Northern California. A half-million fans tune into The Ronn Owens Show every
morning to hear his opinions on a range of issues, from popular culture and
gossip to current events and politics. He refers to his show as ``the ultimate
town meeting.''
- Ronn's guest list reads like a roster of Who's Who among world leaders,
top celebrities, personalities, and newsmakers of the day. He has brought his
devoted Bay Area audience numerous political figures, such as Al and Tipper
Gore, JOHN MCCAIN, Bill Bradley, and Ralph Nader and celebrity
personalities, such as tennis player Andre Agassi, theatrical legend Carol
Channing, and attorney Johnnie Cochran. Ronn is the newsmen's news man. He has
interviewed ABC News anchor Peter Jennings, veteran Washington Correspondent
for ABC News Sam Donaldson, NBC's Washington Bureau Chief and Meet the Press
host Tim Russert, Hardball host Chris Matthews, and CNN's Wolf Blitzer, to
name a few.
- Ronn Owens' sense of humor, directness, and intellect has made him a
legend in the morning radio talk show industry. Ronn is quoted as saying that
he is ``just like everybody else--I look at the world around me and comment on
it.'' His fans will forever love Ronn as the man who tickled their funny
bones, increased their awareness of national and local issues, and opened
their hearts and minds.
- Before being elected to Congress, I was a Ronn Owens listener. Over the
past seven years, I have gotten to know Ronn as a guest on his show, and I
have come to respect him a great deal. I have always found him to be
insightful, funny and--even when we are at opposite ends of an issue--fair.
- Congratulations, Ronn, on thirty-five years and the Marconi Award. Here's
to thirty-five more.
END