Bethea Named PD Of 1070 WDIA/Memphis

• iHeartMedia Memphis has named Tracy Bethea as Program Director of the iconic 1070 WDIA, “The Heart & Soul of Memphis.” Bethea crosses the hall from the PD post at Urban Gospel WHAL (95.7 Hallelujah FM). The move back to WDIA completes a full-circle for Bethea, who began her career in the WDIA news department at the age of 19, hired by the late, legendary Bobby O’Jay.

“Tracy was the perfect choice as the Program Director for WDIA,” said Market President Kevin Klein. “She understands the legacy of being the first Black-programmed radio station in America.  As WDIA celebrates 75 years of Black programming this year, Tracy’s sense of history and her relationship with Stan Bell and Bev Johnson will only keep WDIA strong for years to come.”

Bethea will report to Sue “Big Sue” Purnell, SVP of Programming for iHeartMedia Mid-South Area. “This is a truly an honor,” Bethea said of her new position. “My radio legacy was created at this station, and it was Bobby O’Jay who afforded me the opportunity when I was 19 years old. I look forward to returning to my roots and continuing the legacy of what makes WDIA so special to its listeners.”