5000th episode of ‘Music and the Spoken Word’ airs Sunday

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square is making history as the 5000th episode of Music and the Spoken Word is set to air this Sunday, July 13.

After the first episode aired in 1929, the choir has broadcasted the program every Sunday for nearly a century, making it the longest continuing live network broadcast in history.

“It’s really…amazing,” Music and the Spoken Word Host Derrick Porter said. “Those who came before us, I think they wouldn’t even be able to comprehend what’s happening now.” 

As for what’s happening now – growth. More than six million people spread across 50 countries currently tune in. 

Some key members have been around for a large part of it. Choir Director Mack Wilberg has been a part of 1600 broadcasts and witnessed the program’s growth firsthand. 

“When I became involved in the program in 1999, it was mainly a program that went to the Intermountain West,” he recalled. “Now, we’re millions on a weekly basis.”

So what’s responsible for that growth? Leaders said Music and the Spoken Word is not a program with the sole purpose to entertain, but rather to inspire.

“I think the basic recipe of the program has remained the same over these many years, and that is to bring hope, peace, and joy to all those who listen,” Wilberg said. 

Those feelings are something Choir President Michael O. Leavitt hopes people across the world can recognize. 

“The power of some quiet reflection and the role of music and producing it,” he said. “[That can cause] sacred feelings that give them a sense of who they are and they’re connected in a way that is important to them.” 

The 5000th episode is scheduled to air Sunday, July 13 at 9:30 a.m. They have a pre-show and post-show planned surrounding the broadcast. They invite all to attend at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Conference Center.