Barker Retiring, Howard Upped At Bahakel

• Veteran radio executive Bernie Barker, currently GM of Bahakel Communications’ group in Chattanooga, TN, announced his retirement, effective June 30, 2021, wrapping up a stellar 60-year radio career. In making the announcement, Beverly Bahakel, CEO of Bahakel Communications Ltd., said, “Bernie is a consummate GM with a love for the business and a heart for its future. He has brought to the table a wealth of experience and a love of his team.”

To succeed Barker as GM, Bahakel has tapped 28-year Bahakel Chattanooga veteran, Danny Howard (right), who has served as Station Manager/Director of Programming since 2009 and was previously OM/Director of Programming.

Barker began his radio career at the age of 14 at WJHO/Opelika, AL. After graduating from Auburn University, he went to work for WDAK/Columbus, GA as Program Director and later served as VP/GM until 1981. Barker was also a partner in station ownership in Columbus and Albany, GA and Memphis. Prior to joining Bahakel in 2009, Barker was a Market Manager with Cumulus in Montgomery and Mobile, AL for 11 years and in Birmingham, AL for 14 years. During his long career Barker served as President for the Tennessee Association of Broadcasters, Alabama Association of Broadcasters (1993) and Georgia Association of Broadcasters (1973). He also served for five years on the board and one year as President of the Nielsen (formerly Arbitron) Radio Advisory Council. In 2000, Barker was named Broadcaster of the Year by the Alabama Association of Broadcasters and inducted into the Alabama Radio Hall of Fame. He is also a recipient of the Advertising Club’s Silver Medal Award. Barker has been married to his wife Jacquelyn for 58 years and they have two children and one granddaughter.

Prior to joining Bahakel nearly three decades ago, Danny Howard programmed WLMX/Chattanooga, TN and WQTU/Rome, GA. He is a graduate of Western Carolina University and has been working in radio since high school at WHCC & WQNS/Waynesville-Asheville, NC.

Commenting on Howard’s promotion, Bahakel said, “Danny Howard embodies Bernie’s love for the industry and an excitement for the future of Radio. He will continue to work with Bernie during this transition, and to bring new ideas to the table for the Chattanooga market.”