The 217 Today Podcast

217 Today: WILL-AM celebrates 100th anniversary of first broadcast this week

Brian Moline and Farrah Anderson
 
The main studio of WRM Radio (soon to be renamed WILL) on the University of Illinois campus, circa 1927. A piano was a common feature in an era when most music on the radio was live. The spring microphones of the time were designed to prevent undesired vibrations or feedback. Draperies lined the walls to improve acoustics.

The main studio of WRM Radio (soon to be renamed WILL) on the University of Illinois campus, circa 1927. A piano was a common feature in an era when most music on the radio was live. The spring microphones of the time were designed to prevent undesired vibrations or feedback. Draperies lined the walls to improve acoustics. Illinois Public Media

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Monday, April 4, 2022

Today's headlines:

  • Illinois Democratic lawmakers unveiled a multi-billion-dollar spending plan last Friday to combat increased crime throughout the state.

  • Illinois Senate Democrats are proposing several measures to give people a collective $1.8 billion in tax breaks.

  • Two big Midwestern organizations are teaming up to feed refugees fleeing the Ukrainian war zone. 

In today's deep dive, we'll take a look back at the early days of WILL-AM as the station celebrates the 100th anniversary of its first broadcast this week.

217 Today is produced by Farrah Anderson. Reporting today contributed by Caroline Kubsansky, Alex Degman, Dana Cronin and Jim Meadows.