Jerdan Bullard

The inspiration to make broadcasting a career choice came early for Jerdan Bullard (born 1937) when moderating a high school discussion program on WWWR, Russellville, led to a part time job as an announcer for the station. In 1955 Jerdan enrolled at the University of Alabama and declared a major in Radio and TV. In the course of funding his way (with employment in broadcasting) through college Jerdan was employed in Tuscaloosa at WTBC AM-FM, WJRD, University owned WUOA-FM and Alabama Educational TV Network and in the summer of 1957, as an announcer and ad-time salesman at WOWL, Florence.

Being named University of Alabama's “Most Outstanding Radio and TV Graduate” in 1958, led to his becoming the state's youngest radio GM at twenty-one at WARF, Jasper. Following stints as GM at WKUL, Cullman, and WPTX-WMDM, Lexington Park, MD, Jerdan served as GM of WAAX, Gadsden. In 1980 he became GM of WZZK-FM and later WZZK-AM and WODL-FM were brought under his supervision. In 1989 and again in 1990, Jerdan was named “Radio General Manager of the Year” by the Country Music Association. In 1990, the Alabama Broadcasters Association proclaimed him the “Broadcaster of the Year.”

Jerdan retired in 1998 but renounced it in 2000 to serve as Alabama Broadcasters Association Executive Director for five years. Previously, he had served on the ABA's Board of Directors and in various officer positions including President in 1987-1988. He has held the philosophy that after fifty years in the broadcasting industry its participants are entitled to declare it a “calling”….not just a career.

Additional Industry Recognition and Civic Service
· 2003 Silver Medal Award by the Birmingham Advertising Federation
· Youngest Jaycee Chapter President in the State of Alabama
· Board of Directors of the annual Benefit for the Alabama Sheriff's Boys and Girls Ranches
· Member of the Birmingham Press Club and served on their Razzberry Committee
· Member of the Birmingham Advertising Club; Chairman of their Addy Awards

Over the years Jerdan Bullard was an active member and/or board member or officer in Jaycees, Lions Club, Rotary, BPOE, Chambers of Commerce, various charitable groups and service agencies.

Jerdan is married to the former Linda Hosey Nesmith of Cullman. Linda is a retired school teacher who worked for a time in broadcast ad sales. They have two daughters, Tena and Jeana, and two grandsons.