WS Chronicle

By Busta Brown

The Chronicle

Meet veteran broadcaster Brian Anthony. Anthony has a very impressive radio resume, which includes companies like iHeart, Inner City Broadcasting Gannettt Broadcasting, Jacor and the list goes on.

BA had great success in both programming radio stations and as an on air personality. He was nominated for Programmer and Radio Personality of the Year with Billboard Magazine. In recent years he was listed as “Honorable Mention” in a recent Radio Facts publication listing of the “Top 10 Urban Program Directors” in the history of Black radio, and launched Forsyth Technical Community College’s radio station, 105.1 FM.

Now say hello to the new general manager at 90.5 WSNC-FM.

“It’s that evolutionary step,” said Anthony. Brian has a genuine love for radio, his listeners and the community, which contributed to his success in the business. During our interview, he was monitoring the station; I could hear the smooth jazz on 90.5 WSNC playing in the background. What sets him above so many general managers is that he enjoys his station.

As the music played softly in the background during our interview, I would catch him nodding his head to the music, and was jamming right along with him. The music created a cool and smooth vibe, which made it easy to have a honest conversation. The veteran broadcaster’s success didn’t come without some sacrifices. “I played in the jazz band and orchestra in high school. I got to Texas Southern as a walk-on to play football, and ended up getting hurt the first week.”

The radio bug bit Anthony after he left college. “I was a statewide editor in Illinois. After dealing with corporate America, I said if I’m going to do this, let me do something I love to do.”

He went back to his hometown St. Louis and hooked up with a local radio legend, who was a good friend of his mother. “He opened the door for me, which gave me the opportunity to land a part-time job in radio doing overnights.” 

Now that he’s the new general manger for 90.5 WSNC, Anthony is radio history in the making. With GM now on his resume along with on air personality and program director, I told the future radio legend that he’s a great example of learning and mastering your craft and business. “I’m glad you brought that up. If you look at the economy, look at where we’re business wise; all the business models are focusing on being able to multi task. And that’s because the people at the top that’s making money, want to keep making money.”

As general manager, Anthony’s responsibility will include programming, personnel, development and financial operations for WSNC-FM.

Anthony succeeds Elvin Jenkins.

I asked Brian what can the listeners and community expect going forward. “I”ve been blessed with some great opportunities and exposure during my career. This is one more major step up the management ladder for me that I envision translating into additional growth in two areas for Winston-Salem State University. First, providing the university with an enhanced marketing voice in the Triad. Secondly, and probably most importantly, creating an industry standard operation that can lend itself to becoming one of the top training facilities in this region of the country for radio broadcasting.

“There’s also a personal career goal in this opportunity with WSNC for me as well. The challenge of growing its audience and providing compelling content both musically and through its public affairs programming for the Forsyth County community and the Triad.”

See the rest of my interview with Anthony. Go to Winstonsalem Chronicle YouTube channel.