He was born in Elmore County in 1941 and came into this world as William Bernard Barker. Bernie began his career in radio at the very young age of 14 at WJHO in Opelika. He worked after school and full time until 1961 while attending Auburn High School and Auburn University.

In June 1962, Bernie started work at WDAK in Columbus as a staff announce, advancing to Program Director in 1963 and in September 1965, Bernie was made General Manager at commonly owned WMOG in Brunswick, GA. In November 1966, Bernie returned to WDAK in Columbus as Vice President and General Manager of WDAK. He remained there until 1981 as he and partner Allen Woodall, Jr. purchased stations in Albany, Georgia and in Columbus.

He served as Vice President and General Manager WAPI AM-FM, Birmingham, Alabama 1981-1995.

He joined Cumulus Broadcasting in 1997 and currently serves as Vice President and General Manager of Cumulus Broadcasting’s nine radio stations in Montgomery AL.

Industry Service and Honors

· President of the Georgia Association of Broadcasters (1973)

· President of the Alabama Association of Broadcasters (1993-94)

· Alabama Broadcasters Association Broadcaster of the Year (2000)

· President (two terms) of the East Alabama West Georgia Better Business Bureau.

· Presently serves on the Board of the Better Business Bureau in Birmingham.

· President of the Advertising Club of Columbus, Georgia.

· Recipient Advertising Club Silver Medal Award.

· Chairman, Vice Chairman and 4 years on the Board of the Arbitron Radio Advisory Council.

Bernie is married to the former Jacqueline Roquemore of Covington County, AL. They have two children,
Chris Barker and Kathryn Barker Samples plus one grandchild, Anne Kate.