Robert Boothe (1951) decided as a senior in high school that he wanted to be a radio broadcaster. The summer of his graduation, he enrolled at Career Academy of Broadcasting in Atlanta, GA. There he learned not only the “on the air” techniques of broadcasting but also obtained the (at that time) required FCC license to operate broadcast equipment – the FCC Radiotelephone Operators License, Third Class with Broadcast Endorsement.

Upon graduation from Career Academy, his first job in radio was with Doug Holderfield at WELB in Elba, AL. After a few years there, he honed his skills and responsibilities at WMAF in Madison, FL, WZEP in Defuniak Springs, FL, and WTVY-FM in Dothan, AL. He left WTVY to become General Manager of WTUB (now WRJM) in Troy, AL. After several successful years there, he left to pursue his dream of launching a new radio station in his home town of Opp, AL. In September, 19, 1980 that dream came to fruition when WOPP-AM officially signed on.

His love for broadcasting and his knowledge of its service to the community can be found in the very fibers of the operation of WOPP. If something involves the community, it is Robert’s desire to use the power of the airwaves to promote it. In times of severe weather emergencies, he personally “stays on the air” to give information relayed by local EMA, government and law enforcement officials. He interviews elected officials on the air as often as possible so the public may hear information straight from them. Many local events involving the schools, civic groups, churches and charities are broadcast and promoted at no cost or at a financial loss, just because it is the right thing to do.

To Robert, broadcasting isn’t just a business that is to be operated to make money. It is a service to the community in which it serves.

Robert has been actively involved in community and civic projects for decades on both the local, state and federal level and has also handled public relations for the famous Opp Rattlesnake Rodeo for numerous years.

Organizations:

Westview Baptist Church, Opp

U.S. JCI Senator # 57307

Former member of Opp Jaycees, Alabama Jaycees and U.S. Jaycees

Member of the Opp and Covington County Area Chamber of Commerce

Member and Past President,Opp Civitan Club

Member of Opp Lion’s Club

Member of Opp Rotary Club

Member of Opp Trailmasters

Member of Opp Bobcat Booster Club