Mike Reynolds Named ABA Broadcaster of the Year

At the 59^th Annual Convention of the Alabama Broadcasters Association held June 14^th through 17^th, 2007 at the Grand Hotel in Point Clear, Ala., veteran Selma radio and television executive, Mike Reynolds received the association’s top honor. He was named 2007 Broadcaster of the Year. The Dallas County native currently serves as the President and General Manager of BroadSouth Communications, Inc. which has operated radio stations WDXX and WHBB since 1989. Prior to that, Reynolds served in a number of management positions at WAKA television including Station Manager.

According to ABA Executive Director (President) Sharon Tinsley, “the Broadcaster of the Year award is the association’s highest honor presented annually to an active radio or television management official who has demonstrated exceptional service to the community and made a significant contribution for the betterment of broadcasting in Alabama. This prestigious award represents a career of success and broadcast industry leadership as recognized by his industry peers, his employees and other community leaders.”

Reynolds served as the ABA Chairman in 2003-04 after serving two terms on the Board of Directors. He presently is serving his third term on the Alabama Work Force Investment Board and has been a member of the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame Selection Committee since 1998. On a local level, Reynolds has held Board of Directors positions with the Chamber of Commerce, Selma Tourism Council, Mental Health Foundation, Selma Housing Authority along with numerous others. He remains active in the Kiwanis Club of Selma where he has served twice as President and Battle of Selma Chairman. While serving as President of the Selma Jaycees in 1984, he was named “Jaycee of the Year” for the State of Alabama. He maintains a lifelong membership at Pisgah Presbyterian Church where he is currently an Elder, Clerk of the Session and Treasurer. He currently serves as Secretary on the Board of Directors at the Selma Country Club and is a former member of the Board of Trustees of John T. Morgan Academy where he served as Vice-Chairman.

According to Reynolds, “This whole thing was a big surprise. For the first time in my life, I was standing at a microphone totally speechless. I was even more shocked to discover that many of my great employees, close friends and my daughters surprised me by showing up for the ceremony. My family and the incredible staff deserve the real credit for this honor.”

In support of the nomination and subsequent award presentation, a large number of local officials, broadcasting associates and employees provided letters of support. State Senator Hank Sanders (D-Selma) wrote: “I appreciate the way you lift our community by reaching across dividing lines of race, gender, age and class.” Dallas County Probate

Judge Kim Ballard stated: “Mike has been a calming, level headed player in our volatile political climate for as long as I have known him.” Centre for Commerce President, Wayne Vardaman said “he exemplifies what a broadcaster and business owner should be in terms of character and values.” WDXX/WHBB Station Manager George Henry, who joined Reynolds in 1989, wrote: “I’ll bet you could count on one hand the number of full time employees who have come and gone since Mike purchased our stations. For that many people to stay that long must say something pretty special about someone who rarely spends time bragging on himself.”

Former ABA Executive Director and former General Manager of WZZK in Birmingham, Jerdan Bullard who is both an ABA Past President and Broadcaster of the Year recipient stated: “Mike’s stations are operated in an exemplary fashion; His service to Selma and the coverage area is well documented and respected.” Apex Communications Chairman Houston Pearce of Tuscaloosa, an ABA Past President and former Broadcaster of the Year recipient wrote: “A description often used in Walker County….Mike is one of the rare people that one could shoot dice with on the phone.”

Reynolds follows a long list of veteran broadcasters who have been granted Broadcaster of the Year honors including Selma native, the late Julius Talton, who preceded Reynolds as the owner of WHBB/WDXX.

He and wife Lisa share two daughters, Laura Beth who is a senior at the University of Alabama and Lindsay who will be a sophomore at Morgan Academy.