Barbara Bozena Ilnicka (Fobke)

Radio broadcaster

Born May 27, 1952, Glogow, Poland; came to U.S., 1977; daughter of Leon and Helena (Szlachciak); married Wlodzimierz Ilnicki; child: Kasia.

Education: Master of Arts (M.A.), University of Gdansk (Poland), 1976.

Career: radio broadcaster, Pollish - American Radio Program / WTEL, Philadelphia (PA), 1982 -.

Member of: Polish-American Radio Network; Polish American Congress (P.A.C.).

Affiliation: Republican, Catholic

Languages: Polish, English

Hobbies: travel, reading, gardening

Office: Polish American Radio Program, 308 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19106

From: "Who's Who in Polish America" 1st Edition 1996-1997, Boleslaw Wierzbianski editor; Bicentennial Publishing Corporation, New York, NY, 1996

Continuing the 75 Year Tradition of the Daily "Polish American Radio Program"

As the 75th Anniversary celebration of the Polish American Radio Program of the Philadelphia area continues, Barbara Ilnicka and Michael Blichasz state it's a good time to say Thank You to all who supported this important community service. The first broadcast took place in April of 1925 on Broad Street at 860 AM Radio. Since that time there have been many daily and weekend hosts of the program, who offered various types of entertainment to Polonia over the years. The focus during the 75th Anniversary is the fact that with the continuous support of the community at large, Polish Americans remain well represented on the air waves in the Philadelphia area.

Many of you remember the long time daily radio program host, Theodore Przybyla, who passed away in early l982 at the time Martial Law was imposed in Poland and the Solidarity Union was crushed. Following the death of Mr. Przybyla, Barbara Ilnicka and Michael Blichasz worked with the management of WTEL 860 AM Radio to maintain the daily radio program. With the assistance of the Polish clergy, Polish parishes, Polish American organizations, fratemals, veterans groups, local businesses, many individual friends and supporters, the program was able to be sustained and continues to serve the community in a positive way. Barbara and Michael are grateful to everyone for supporting their efforts and with everyone's support, the only Polish American broadcast program heard 7 days a week, will continue with its mission to inform, unite, entertain the community, and present news and information about activities taking place in the Polish American community and in Poland. After 72 years of programming, there was a format change at the WTEL 860 AM radio station and the program moved to its new broadcast station at WNWR 1540 AM where it continues broadcasting 7 days a week. The program can also be heard live over the Internet during regular broadcast times at www.WNWR.COM

The Polish American Congress and Polonia extends congratulations to Barbara Ilnicka and Michael Blichasz for outstanding service to Polonia. To celebrate this special occasion, a 75th Anniversary Bali will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2001. Everyone is invited.

From: Polish American News, February 2001