Mike James Announces Retirement

• Veteran programmer Mike James, longtime Operations Manager of Hall Communications’ cluster in Lakeland, FL announced that he is retiring, effective December 31, wrapping up a 40-year broadcasting career.

James joined Country WPCV as PD in 2004, and was promoted to OM for the four-station group in 2006, adding Adult Hits WWRZ, Talk WLKF and Adult Standards WONN to his portfolio.

James’ radio journey began at WELE-AM/FM/Daytona Beach-Deland FL, followed by stops at WWKA/Orlando, KKCS/Colorado Springs, WQIK/Jacksonville and KMDL/Lafayette, LA. James remarked, “My first radio job was in 1979, and I can remember thinking how great it was to be able to entertain people, and get paid for it at the same time! Forty years later, it’s still great, but I’m finally ready to kick back, relax and spend more quality time at Anna Maria Island! I want to thank Hall Communications owners Art and Bonnie Rowbotham for giving me the opportunity to work for one of the most respected radio groups in America. We’ve got an incredible team of pros here in Lakeland, and we’ve enjoyed impressive ratings and revenue success over the past 15 years. I’m also especially proud to have helped raise over $4 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital during my radio career. That’s the most rewarding part of this amazing journey.”

James will remain on the job through the end of the year and can be reached at mjames@hallradio.net. Interested candidates are invited to apply for the OM position at hallradio.com/Job-Opportunities.