?Archie Newton was a pioneering figure in Jamestown, New York's early radio history. Born in 1895, he served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army's Radio Corps during World War I. After the war, he returned to Jamestown and became an electrician and amateur radio enthusiast. In 1924, Newton applied for a temporary license to operate a radio station, leading to the establishment of Jamestown's first radio station. His inaugural broadcast took place on December 31, 1924, during the grand opening of the Hotel Jamestown .?
Newton's early broadcasts were community-focused, featuring local news, church services, live music, and town events, helping to knit the Jamestown community together during the early days of radio. Over time, the station grew into a staple of local broadcasting, with a reputation for being a "voice of the community."?
National Archives
Archie Newton passed away in 1961 at the age of 65 in Jamestown .?
His legacy lives on through WJTN, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2025, continuing to serve the Jamestown community with local news and programming
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