Bill Text: MS SC586 | 2015 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Salute legacy and civic energy of award-winning Hattiesburg Radio and Television Station Icon Randy Swan.
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Passed) 2015-03-09 - Enrolled Bill Signed [SC586 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2015-SC586-Enrolled.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2015 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Polk, Hudson, Fillingane, Gandy, Montgomery, Hill, Burton, Butler (38th), Jackson (11th), Jackson (32nd), Simmons (12th)
Senate Concurrent Resolution 586
(As Adopted by Senate and House)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION SALUTING THE LEGACY AND CIVIC ENERGY OF AWARD-WINNING HATTIESBURG RADIO AND TELEVISION STATION ICON RANDY SWAN ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT.
WHEREAS, Randy Swan was literally born into broadcasting on July 25, 1947. His father was a well-known country music musician, radio station owner and former candidate for Governor, and Randy started talking on the radio when he was three sitting on his father's lap. He made numerous appearances as a young child on TV with his father on the MaCaffrey Show, a locally produced variety show. It aired on WDAM-TV for several years. Randy could be seen with a small guitar mimicking his father; and
WHEREAS, at age 15, Randy was comfortable "on the air" and at this young age became a deejay on WBKH radio. The sounds of the 1960s echoed as he found his calling in the field of broadcasting. His voice soon became a comforting sound in the Pinebelt; and
WHEREAS, Randy finished high school at Hattiesburg High School and graduated from The University of Southern Mississippi in 1970 with a business degree. Randy loved sports and after college continued to play men's softball and once qualified as an amateur for the PBA TOUR. He also loves the game of golf and has been called on throughout his career to play at fundraising events throughout the South; and
WHEREAS, after Randy's radio days, he began his television career at WDAM-TV, the same studio where he had once played as a child on MaCaffrey Showtime. He started as a morning anchor. Randy quickly became a trusted Reporter and Anchor in South Mississippi. He then moved to the 6:00 p.m. news and came into the homes of thousands of viewers each night. To the viewers he was a trustworthy newscaster that brought both sides of the story and loved his community. Randy loved politics and enjoyed interviewing and keeping in touch with the government officials. He was definitely great at his job, and Mississippi was where he wanted to be; and
WHEREAS, Randy took a short leave from WDAM-TV twice in his career. He traveled the state during the summer of 1985 as a Field Representative for Senator Thad Cochran's reelection campaign. In 1989, he went to the Mississippi Delta for five years as Station Manager at WABG-TV. Acting as a favorite Delta Station Manager and Anchor, Randy soon heard the call to return to his hometown of Hattiesburg. In 1995, he received a huge welcome home returning to WDAM-TV where his journey started; and
WHEREAS, since 1995, he has been at WDAM-TV serving as News Director and 6:00 p.m. Anchor. He has been a mentor to many and given many young people a chance in broadcasting. Randy's professionalism, fairness and integrity gained him a respected reputation by his peers, viewers, leaders and those he mentored; and
WHEREAS, Randy recalls some of his favorite interviews, including former Presidents of the United States: Ronald Reagan, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton and Gerald Ford. Randy traveled to Nicaragua in 1979 to cover the Civil War, and remembers his days of covering Hurricanes Camille and Frederick. When Katrina hit, he was on the air asking for milk for babies and keeping the people of the Pinebelt aware when they could only hear his voice on the radio. People still stop and thank him for keeping them updated; and
WHEREAS, in 2006, Randy was inducted into the Associated Press Hall Of Fame; and in 2010, he was inducted into the School of Mass Communication and Journalism Hall Of Fame at The University of Southern Mississippi. Randy has served on many community boards, was a member of many community organizations, and is well-known for his emcee talents at local events, including years of emceeing local Junior Miss programs. He also did things people never saw, like stopping to visit a child that a parent requested who was a fan or taking a baseball hat to a child who was ill. His family says Randy shared many tears over stories that were hard to report. He worried about the impact some stories would have on the lives of others; and
WHEREAS, Randy is the father of four: two sons, Kyle and Kevin; and two daughters, Ivey and Zoey. He also has three grandchildren: Dillion, Gavin and Luna. He has been married to Millie Swan for over 26 years; and
WHEREAS, when people speak of Randy Swan, they often reference his humble attitude when stopped at a local store or shop. Many say Randy has no idea of his own popularity and that is what has made him successful. He enjoyed being a hometown boy who lived his dream in his home state, and wanted to make a difference. In anticipation of his retirement, it may be the end of an era, but a legacy not forgotten; and it is with great pride that we pay tribute and commend a record of achievement and leadership by a most public-spirited citizen of Mississippi:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby salute the legacy and civic energy of award-winning Hattiesburg Radio and Television Station Icon Randy Swan on the occasion of his retirement, and extend the best wishes of the Legislature to Randy and his family.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Randy Swan, forwarded to WDAM-TV in Hattiesburg, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.
