One of my clients passed away on July 9. It saddens me to lose someone I have worked closely with for several years. But beyond my personal feelings, radio has lost a champion. Mark Lange and his family epitomize successful independent local broadcasters. Mark and his wife Saundra have operated The Original Company since 1981. In the ensuing years, they have grown the business to 14 radio signals in southern Indiana and Illinois. TOC also streams audio and video content from websites, produces and distributes local print advertising material to over 136 thousand households each week and develops digital campaigns for businesses. They provide full-service marketing to their clients.
Long before TOC, Mark started his radio career at WNWI in Valparaiso while still in high school. The radio bug bit early and never let go!
In 1974 he took a position at Vincennes University with WVUB radio. He worked with VU for 24 years. During that time, he published two college textbooks which reached broadcast students across the nation. While at VU, Mark taught over 4000 students.
Today some people think that radio has gone the way of the dinosaur. I beg to disagree and Mark provides the perfect example of why radio will continue to live on and speak to listeners across the world. Radio provided the medium for one man (Saundra, I'm not forgetting the large part you played in the success of TOC) to influence the lives of thousands. His influence didn't stop with his students. His work on air with news and information in Vincennes and surrounding areas kept the locals up to date on happenings. Through TOC, local charities, events, businesses, people, all benefitted.
Mark and Saundra also have a heart for restoring historic buildings in the Vincennes area. TOC broadcasts from the Brevoort house which he and Saundra restored to its former glory.
Mark and TOC represent what the FCC meant when it said radio licensees were "the guardians of the airwaves". People underestimate the power radio broadcasters have to influence lives of the people with whom they live and work. And no one does it better than the local broadcaster.
Mark and Saundra raised their three children in Vincennes. Now, their son Jonathan, daughter Christina and son in law Shawn will work with Saundra to continue the legacy that Mark started.
I learned much from Mark during my time working with him. He and Saundra welcomed me as a part of their team. I will miss him. The world of radio will miss him.
His legacy will live on.
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