End Of ‘The Bill Black Era’ Is Looming
• iHeartMedia Country WKSJ (95 KSJ)/Mobile-Pensacola announced the impending retirement of PD Bill Black, a beloved station fixture for the past three decades, effective Jan. 30, 2024.
Black (pictured here with his wife, Andrea) began his radio career in 1978, and since 1992 he’s been intricate to the fabric of 95 KSJ, mostly in middays, and for past three years in afternoon drive with co-host Shelby Mitchell.
“It’s been an amazing run these past almost 45 years of radio employment, and the last 31 as part of iHeartMedia and 95 KSJ,” Black remarked. “I’ve had the honor to introduce amazing performers to our Mobile, AL, audience and watch as their careers skyrocketed. My greatest joy was back in 1998 when I decided to become a member of the St. Jude family. 95 KSJ has raised millions of dollars for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, aiding in their goal of Finding Cures and Saving Children. 95 KSJ and St. Jude will always have a special place in my heart. A special thank you to my Market President Ronnie Bloodworth, Tony Travatto and Brand Manager Rod Phillips for allowing me to steer the 95 KSJ ship my way for all these years.”
Market President Ronnie Bloodworth, who described Black as “Papa Bear to the entire Mobile/Pensacola iHeart team,” said, “If you have ever spent time with Bill, you either laughed or found out just how passionate he was for helping the children of St. Jude. Being in radio, we have a responsibility to entertain and serve our communities. Bill did both for over 45 years. Thank you, Bill, for being one of the most genuine human beings I know.”
“While we are extremely happy for Bill and proud of all he’s accomplished, we are sad for the iHeartCountry team as we say goodbye to one of the legends,” said Rod Phillips, EVP of Programming iHeartCountry. “But we know we’ll see him again soon at another KSJ Country show.”
