Articles of Incorporation” — Marion Broadcasting Company (April 22, 1940)

This document formally established the legal corporate entity responsible for constructing and operating radio station WMRN in Marion, Ohio. Filed with the Ohio Secretary of State and recorded in Volume 471, Page 131, the incorporation outlines the company’s structure, authority, and financial foundation.

The filing authorized 250 shares of no-par-value stock and established an initial capitalization of $15,000. Named incorporators include Robert T. Mason of Fremont, Ohio, along with Fred E. Guthery and Howard F. Guthery.

The Articles granted broad operational authority, including the ownership and operation of broadcasting facilities, advertising services, and related business activities. Notably, the document references television and facsimile services, reflecting forward-looking legal language common in corporate filings of the period.

This piece provides insight into the earliest stage of WMRN’s development, documenting the station’s transition from concept to legally established enterprise prior to its sign-on later that year on December 23, 1940.

This document is preserved as part of the WMRN Radio History Archive.

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Part of the Founding of WMRN Collection