In recognition of WKVI Morning Host Tom Berg’s unbelievable effort in breaking the Guinness World Record for the longest continuous radio broadcast by a single host, the City of Knox has come together to show their support for the man who has worked the single longest shift in radio history.
Mayor Rick Chambers issued a proclamation yesterday declaring today – Tuesday, July 17 – Tom Berg Day.
“It was just our thoughts from the city, to thank Tom for all his efforts he’s put forth, and all the attention he’s brought to our community,” said Chambers.
Throughout his ordeal, Tom took calls from former Indianapolis radio coworkers, took live calls from listeners, and was featured on WNDU, WSBT, and ABC57. Support poured in from the community every day during his attempt, with visitors even stopping in to wish Berg good luck – including the entire Knox Redskins senior football team, who squeezed into the studio yesterday evening.
Employees of Dollar General in Knox presented Tom with a poster and several items, including mouthwash, cough drops, deodorant, and a nighttime sleep aid.
Some community members even pledged $1 per hour that Tom stayed awake. Nearly 20 businesses made pledges to organizations like Starke United, the Starke County Food Bank, Humane Society, SCYC, Bella Vita, and many others – raising a total of more than $3500.
Restaurants throughout the Kankakee Valley supplied lunch and dinner for him and others at the station throughout the week.
Tom’s radio marathon started at 5 a.m. on July 9, and came to an exciting close at midnight on July 17. With an audience gathered at the WKVI studios, he led everyone in a toast at midnight to his successful 187-hour radio marathon. Roughly 225 people packed into the lawn of the WKVI studios, bearing everything from food to throat lozenges.
Shortly after midnight, Tom departed and was driven home, undoubtedly to catch up on the sleep he so desperately craved.
