WEXP breaks radio quiz show record

By Jen McShane
Collegian Staff
April 25, 2007

WEXP has shown through the years that it is no stranger to taking on big challenges. Therefore, it was no surprise when they decided to try to break a world record for the longest radio quiz show.

The idea came from senior communication major and then-general manager Adam Bagni, who consulted the group about trying to break the world record. WEXP general manager and sophomore communication major Mike Viso, along with WEXP DJ and sophomore communication major Matt Neder agreed with the idea and decided to go about setting a new record.

The attempt to shatter the world record was scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. Friday, April 13. For WEXP to set a new record for the longest consecutive radio quiz show, they had to beat the old record of 30 hours. Viso and Neder decided to do better than that, and sought to reach 35 hours of continuous quiz questions.

With the quiz show under way, Neder held the spot of quiz master and stayed on air for the entire 35 hours. Similarly, Viso also stayed on air for the 35 hours, acting as a contestant. According to Viso, other contestants on the show included junior communication major Mike Stringer, freshman criminal justice major Greg Armstrong, sophomore Rob Thomas, sophomore communication major Mike Rodden and sophomore digital arts and multimedia design major Cory Anotado. Dawn Wanner, adviser to WEXP, and her husband were also a big help to the group the night of the broadcast.

WEXP officially broke the old world record, held by Wilson Casey of WKDY, at 7:01 p.m. Saturday, April 14, after being on air for 30 hours and one minute. However, WEXP broadcasted another 5 hours, setting a new record of 35 hours at midnight Sunday, April 15.

Gerald Kolpan of WTFX recapped the event April 13.

What’s next for WEXP to get into the big book?

“Right now, Matt and Mike are putting together a shortened version of the 35 hours on video tape. We need to send that in, along with a log book we kept all night, the questions and a verification form,” Wanner said.

She said that may take a few weeks, yet she was confident that WEXP met all Guinness’ requirements to enter the book with the new world record.

Viso was thankful for all the support given by the La Salle community and hopes this achievement will help spread the word about La Salle and WEXP.

mcshanej2@lasalle.edu