ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newNOW) – Created over a century ago, radio remains one of the most influential mediums for spreading messages with at least 85 percent of American adults listening weekly with an average of more than 10 hours per week, according to Coolest Gadgets. The unparalleled reach of radio shapes our daily lives in more ways than we realize. 

For this World Radio Day, we asked radio hosts from Asheville to share why the medium of radio is important to them and their community. To learn more about the hosts and their shows, click here. 

How did you get into radio? 

Melanie from Mix 96.5: “I was working at a small radio station as the Marketing Manager and Sales Executive until one day the morning show had a female vacancy and my boss told me to get on air… Trial by fire and I found out I had a natural knack for it. I absolutely love being on air and prefer it so much more than sales!” 

Gibson from 98.1 The River: “My friend’s grandmother told me I had a radio voice when I was a teenager, so I started thinking about broadcasting as a career in high school.” 

What do you appreciate about the power of radio? 

Gibson from 98.1 The River: “Radio is always there for you.”

Melanie from Mix 96.5: “Hands down the connection with people, I love talking with the callers and interviewing people to get to the story behind the story… We get to be the first informers of news, traffic and natural disasters.” 

How do you see radio connecting the community? 

Melanie from Mix 96.5: “Radio played a massive role for the community during the Hurricane Helene crisis. We became a hub and lifeline for people to call and express what they needed, and someone would hear that call, then call and say they could meet that caller’s need.” 

Gibson from 98.1 The River: “Radio connects the community by being a reflection of the community it serves.” 

Melanie from Mix 96.5: “Radio is a great platform for reaching diverse groups within our community creating a place for people to express their feelings, give their perspective on local stories, and connect with each other.”

What are some lessons you’ve learned working in the radio business? 

Gibson from 98.1 The River: “You never know who is listening, so stay sharp.”

Melanie from Mix 96.5: “Getting up at 4 a.m. never gets easier.”

The Asheville Media Group operates seven local radio stations, including Mix 96.5 and 98.1 The River, along with 828newsNOW, Dog Day Afternoon and AshevilleDeal.com. 

If you want to learn about the history of radio in Asheville, click here.