Handing Over The Morning Mantel
• Looking back on a career that spans nearly four decades, Country Radio Hall of Famer Jim Mantel announced his impending radio retirement, effective near the end of June. Mantel (left) has been co-hosting mornings on Dick Broadcasting Company (DBC) Country WRNS/Greenville-New Bern-Jacksonville, NC since 2011, but he’s probably best known for his 18-year run with WGAR/Cleveland, where he was named CMA Large Market Personality Of The Year in 1993. Mantel has also plugged in at KNFM/Midland/Odessa, TX, KRYS/Corpus Christi, TX and KKBQ/Houston.
In a statement, Mantel said, “After 34 or so years of getting up between 3:00 and 3:30am, I’ve decided to get some sleep. There are some things my wife and I would like to do, and the constraints of strange hours and limited time off prevent that. Our daughters are not close enough to spend as much time as we’d like with them and I have a Harley that doesn’t have near enough miles on it. I also have a V/O business that I’ve been working at ‘part time when I have time,’ and I’ll spend more time on that trying to get better. I’ve targeted the end of June as the time to leave and move onto the next phase.” He added, “It’s going to be a little scary, as my wife and I have never shared a bathroom in the morning… this could get messy!” Until his retirement becomes official, Mantel can be reached at jim@wrns.com.
Crystal Legends (above, right), who doubles as PD of WRNS and Mantel’s morning co-host has now commenced the search for his successor — Are you driven, passionate, extremely detailed and organized? Are you creative? Are you plugged in? Are you a team player, willing to work hard & stick around after the show?
Candidates must be able to do appearances, interact with listeners both on-air and at events, have a stage presence and a passion for all things Country. A desire to set up roots at the coast wouldn’t hurt! If this describes you, WRNS would love to hear from you! Applicants must have extensive knowledge of the Country format, production experience, a minimum of five years in mornings, and a proven work ethic. Send resumes to newbernresumes@dbcradio.com. DBC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
