After debuting Soft AC “Easy 100.3” WYDL Middleton TN/Corinth MS on the day after Christmas, Michael Brandt’s Southern Broadcasting has debuted an identical brand in Huntsville AL.
Brandt has taken over operations of Focus Radio Communications’ Conservative Talk 1450 WTKI/105.3 W287DH Huntsville on New Year’s Day and flipped the station to Soft AC “Easy 105.3“. The station will feature Bob & Sheri in mornings. The new format targets the pair of existing AC’s in the market: NCA Inc’s “Mix 96.9” WRSA and Southern Stone Communications’ “Star 99.1” WAHR.
In explaining why he ended the former format and transferred operations of the station, Focus Radio Communications owner and WTKI morning host Fred Holland shared on Facebook:
It is with great excitement and sadness I announce WTKI’s TALK journey will end December 31, 2020.
I have been presented the opportunity the pass the torch to Michael Brandt, a young and energetic local Broadcaster who will guide our station into a new era. I’ll remain but in a less significant role. It also gives me more time with family, particularly my grandchildren. For those of you who have not yet enjoyed that experience it’s all they say it is and so much more.
As with many industries the Radio Business has been evolving. Talk has morphed into programming on demand (Podcasting) and many syndicated shows now promote their own platforms. More people get informed via social media leaving little room for all of us.
This past decade has been an incredible ride and I am so very thankful for our many listeners and customers who have who have encouraged and supported us. Many of you have become good friends. What you hear on the air would not be if not for Brian, Scotty, Matt, Billy and Ken who have been here from the beginning. To them I express my sincere gratitude.In 1992 I launched WTKI as Huntsville’s second Talk station hoping to fill a few gaps just one format could not. We gave many of you then the dry wit of Mike Sweeney, The Black Avenger-Ken Hamlin and Michael Reagan along with the market’s first sports talk show, “Sports Nite”. We know where that format’s gone in the past few decades.
My 4 year experience with WTKI prepared me for an exciting 13-year stint with the very station I had so tried to beat to the punch back in the eighties, WVNN. Bill Dunnavant, Peter Thiele and many others helped me grow and made me a better broadcaster. In 2009 I returned and relaunched WTKI this time as owner. This past 11 years have been the most rewarding. I’ve had more fun sharing the insights of people far smarter than me, laughing at real life and occasionally stirring the pot.
For those of you who’d like to hear more Fred, I’ll be sharing my thoughts and newsmaker interviews on a new podcast platform. Watch for more on that here. Between now and the end of the year we’re going to celebrate some hits from the past and the usual ramblings of a crusty old fart. Thanks for listening and God Bless!
