Bell Adds Mornings On WDIA/Memphis

• iHeartMedia’s 1070 WDIA, “The Heart & Soul of Memphis,” announced the debut of The Stan Bell Morning Show, effective immediately. The heritage station has been without a morning drive leader since the untimely passing of Memphis radio legend Bobby O’Jay May 3 at the age of 68.

Bell is already a hugely familiar presence on Memphis radio — and in the iHeart building — he has been a fixture across the hall on Urban AC KJMS (V101) for more than 30 years, and he will continue to do his afternoon show on V101, while also taking over morning drive at 1070 WDIA.

“Stan’s record of success is no mystery,” said Sue Purnell, SVP of Programming for iHeartMedia Memphis. “It’s his love for the community, which is the cornerstone of WDIA’s legacy. We couldn’t be more excited for this new journey.” Market President Kevin Klein echoes the same sentiments, commenting, “I couldn’t be happier to have Stan Bell be our new morning host for WDIA. We are blessed to have amazing talent like Stan Bell, who not only understands history, but also understands the important voice WDIA provides for the Memphis Black Community. I am excited about the future for WDIA and look forward to seeing Stan’s continued success.”

“This is like a homecoming, of sorts, for me,” said Bell. “I was ‘bit by the broadcasting bug’ at 16 and was a high school reporter for 1070 WDIA. Every high school in Memphis would send two students to record their reports at the radio station on Saturdays, and now, the rest is history. So here I am, full-circle in 2022. It’s an honor and privilege to carry on the legacy of WDIA as a morning host.”

Check out the video of the staff celebrating Bell’s debut on WDIA.