60 Seconds of WMRN
One voice. One memory. One minute of WMRN history.
Some of WMRN’s most important history lives in the memories of the people who worked at the station, appeared on its programs, took part in community events, and tuned in over the years. 60 Seconds of WMRN invites those voices to tell their stories, one memory at a time.
Participating is easy. No special equipment, studio visit, or scheduled interview is necessary. Simply use the voice recording app on your smartphone and email the audio file to the WMRN Radio History Archive. We’ll handle the production.
How It Works
- Choose a question. We’ll email you a question or a few suggested topics in advance. You can also choose one from the list below.
- Record your memory. Open Voice Memos on an iPhone or the Recorder/Voice Recorder app on an Android phone. Tell the story in your own words.
- Send us the original audio file. Email it to archive@wmrnhistory.com, along with your name and your connection to WMRN.
- We’ll prepare the finished spot. After obtaining appropriate documented permission, we can edit an excerpt, add the series introduction and closing, and prepare it for public release.
Don’t worry about hitting exactly 60 seconds. The title describes the finished feature, not the length of your original recording. Speak naturally, take your time, and send more than one story if you’d like. We may create several short features from separate memories.
Not Sure What to Talk About?
Pick one question that brings a memory to mind:
- What is your earliest memory of WMRN?
- What was your favorite experience working at or listening to the station?
- Which WMRN personality made the biggest impression on you?
- What broadcast, contest, remote, or community event will you never forget?
- What’s one thing about WMRN that people today might not know?
A specific, personal recollection is often more interesting than a formal speech. You do not need to write a script.
Recording Your Story on Your Phone
- Find a quiet place, away from televisions, fans, and background conversations.
- Hold the phone about 6–10 inches from your mouth and keep the microphone unobstructed.
- Start by saying your name and your connection to WMRN, then share your memory.
- Aim for roughly 45–90 seconds per memory if possible, but longer recordings are welcome.
- Please send the original recording without adding music, effects, or audio processing.
iPhone: Open Voice Memos, record your story, and use the Share option to email the recording.
Android: Open the phone’s Recorder or Voice Recorder app, record your story, and use the Share option to send the audio file. Exact app names and controls vary.
Where to Send Your Recording
Email your audio file to archive@wmrnhistory.com. M4A, MP3, and WAV are welcome. Please include your name, approximate years associated with WMRN (if known), and a short description of the memory. If the file is too large to email, contact us first so we can arrange another transfer method.
Permission, Preservation, and Publication
Submitting a recording begins a private archival review; it does not automatically grant publication rights or transfer copyright. Before we publish or distribute a story, we’ll discuss and document permission for preservation, editing, attribution, and public use. Not every submission will necessarily be published.
We’ll retain the original, unedited audio separately when accepted for preservation, and any published excerpt will be prepared to respect the speaker’s intended meaning. We may follow up to confirm names, dates, or other historical details.
Listen to 60 Seconds of WMRN
We’re inviting the first participants now. As episodes are completed and cleared for release, we’ll share them here and connect them to related archival materials.
In the meantime, explore the Recorded Broadcast Archive or learn about our longer-form Oral Histories program.