As a native of Troy, Alabama, Jim Roling’s interest in radio began in 1955 when he served as the high school spotter for local football broadcasts over WTBF. Then, while attending Troy University, he worked at WTBF and gained additional experience as a staff announcer and part-time salesman until 1968 when he moved to Georgetown, SC. There he assumed the position of Sales Manager for WINH AM-FM and led a sales and promotional staff for eleven years.

After returning to WTBF in Troy in 1980, Jim became the second Sales Manager the station had since 1947. Jim, Asa Dudley, and Joe Gilchrist purchased WTBF from the original corporation in 1986. After Dudley and Gilchrist retired, Jim became Manager.

Since 1980, Jim’s weekday Morning Show has served as the “pulse” of the listening area by featuring regular interviews with civic, social and political leaders. The same morning show format continues with new hosts. After Jim’s wife Angie retired from Troy University in 2007, they spent a number of months traveling across the United States in their motorhome and visiting their daughter Caylor in Portland, Oregon. While traveling, Jim managed by telecommuting and contributed to the Morning Show with live “On the Road” reports twice weekly.

With over fifty years in radio broadcasting, Jim has received numerous state, regional, and local awards and recognition for his community service. He was named Alabama Broadcaster of the Year in 1998. He continues to serve on a number of civic committees and organizations in Troy and Pike County.

WTBF has been an ABA member since the early 1950s. Jim has served ABA as Board member and President, and he enjoys participating in the annual ABA Congressional visits to Washington, DC.

Jim married Angela Caylor of Union Springs, AL. Angie retired in September of 2007 as Associate Vice Chancellor, Troy University. They have on daughter, Caylor who lives in Portland, OR.

From our Archives – Newsletter July 1989

“Jim is active in the Pike County community. He is Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Troy First United Methodist Church; Chairman of that church’s building committee. He is Promotions Director for the Brundidge, Alabama Business Association and the Pike County Chamber of Commerce. Public Information Director for the Pike County Civil Defense Agency. Member of the Troy Rotary Club, the City of Troy Planning and Zoning Commission. Member of the board of the Pike Pioneer Museum. Member of the board of the Pike Medical Foundation. Member of the board of the Wesley Foundation Troy State University. Advisor to many city and county organizations including the Troy Public Library; The Pilot Club; The Exchange Club; The Pike Rescue Squad and numerous other groups.”