Old Walla Walla Radio Remembered 39--Verne Russell Buys KUJ
Steve sent this old UB article from the late 60s, as V. B. R. Broadcasters, headed by Verne Russell, purchased KUJ. The station would continue to play easy listening/adult contemporary music and CBS Radio programming.
Verne Russell and Jim Nelly both left indelible marks on KUJ Radio 1420 AM and the community of Walla Walla, bridging two of the most vibrant eras of local broadcasting. Verne Russell represents the golden era of smooth, community-focused, and comforting local broadcasting. He was perhaps the valley’s best broadcaster. He possessed a smooth, professional voice that brought incredible comfort to local families, whether they were tuning in at home or from a cabin up on Mill Creek. He is fondly remembered for his highly creative and iconic end-of-day sign-off. Nobody could wrap up a day like Verne, famously promising to shake those watts and kilocycles out of bed. Verne didn't just stay behind the microphone, he loved local sports, doing the live play-by-play for the local minor league baseball team before eventually stepping up to buy the franchise. Jim Nelly bought the station from Verne in 1975 and transformed it into a powerhouse of high-energy entertainment. Jim brought an electric, larger-than-life energy to Walla Walla. As locals fondly remember, local radio was never the same after Jim arrived because he injected bold promotions, fireworks, and sky divers into community events. He had a brilliant ear for what the younger generation wanted, successfully modernizing KUJ into a highly popular Top 40 rock station that defined the era for local youth. Alongside his wife Pat, Jim took over the Walla Walla Padres baseball team and turned Borleske Stadium into a hub of absolute fun, combining sports and radio marketing to bring people together.
Verne Russell and Jim Nelly both left indelible marks on KUJ Radio 1420 AM and the community of Walla Walla, bridging two of the most vibrant eras of local broadcasting. Verne Russell represents the golden era of smooth, community-focused, and comforting local broadcasting. He was perhaps the valley’s best broadcaster. He possessed a smooth, professional voice that brought incredible comfort to local families, whether they were tuning in at home or from a cabin up on Mill Creek. He is fondly remembered for his highly creative and iconic end-of-day sign-off. Nobody could wrap up a day like Verne, famously promising to shake those watts and kilocycles out of bed. Verne didn't just stay behind the microphone, he loved local sports, doing the live play-by-play for the local minor league baseball team before eventually stepping up to buy the franchise. Jim Nelly bought the station from Verne in 1975 and transformed it into a powerhouse of high-energy entertainment. Jim brought an electric, larger-than-life energy to Walla Walla. As locals fondly remember, local radio was never the same after Jim arrived because he injected bold promotions, fireworks, and sky divers into community events. He had a brilliant ear for what the younger generation wanted, successfully modernizing KUJ into a highly popular Top 40 rock station that defined the era for local youth. Alongside his wife Pat, Jim took over the Walla Walla Padres baseball team and turned Borleske Stadium into a hub of absolute fun, combining sports and radio marketing to bring people together.
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