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Ruth Stephens Radio Interviews

 Collection
Identifier: MS-0208

  • Staff Only

This collection consists of an interview tape and transcripts from the WKGN radio station completed by commentator Ruth Stephens. The transcripts concern a series of broadcast on the business concerns of Knoxville. Each month, a Knoxville company was investigated, and Ruth would discuss her findings on her radio show. Some companies included the American Zinc Company, East Tennessee Packing Company, and Woodruff's, Incorporated.

Dates

  • 1957-1958

Language

The material in this collection is in English.

Conditions Governing Access

Collections are stored offsite and must be requested in advance. See www.special.lib.utk.edu for detailed information. Collections must be requested through a registered Special Collections research account.

Conditions Governing Use

The UT Libraries claims only physical ownership of most material in the collections. Persons wishing to broadcast or publish this material must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants on www.special.lib.utk.edu for detailed information. Collections must be requested through a registered Special Collections research account.

Extent

0.1 Linear Feet (3 folders)

Abstract

This collection consists of an interview tape and transcripts from the WKGN radio station completed by commentator Ruth Stephens. The transcripts concern a series of broadcast on the business concerns of Knoxville. Each month, a Knoxville company was investigated, and Ruth would discuss her findings on her radio show.

Biographical/Historical Note

Ruth Stephens (1889-1975) was a University of Tennessee professor from 1926 to 1960, teaching history and international relations. Stephens also hosted local radio and television shows.

WKGN Knoxville was an AM radio station that first hit the air waves in 1946. The station carried various broadcasts before becoming a top 40s radio station in the early 1960s. During the late 1950s, Ruth Stephens hosted a monthly show. In 1976, the station transitioned from top 40s to rock and then in the summer of 1978 switched from rock to disco. At the beginning of the summer of 1979, WKGN switched back to top 40s radio. The station received new the call letters WKLIQ in 1987; however the original letters were restored in 1988.

Arrangement

This collection is in three folders.

Acquisition Note

This collection was donated to Special Collections by Ruth Stephens in 1959.

Repository Details

Part of the Betsey B. Creekmore Special Collections and University Archives, University of Tennessee, Knoxville Repository

Contact:
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Knoxville TN 37996 USA
865-974-4480