Gadsden Radio Media (WGAD) announced on June 21 that it formed a partnership with Gadsden City School to carry the Titans athletic and academic programs on the air.
“This is more than Friday night football games,” said WGAD owner Jeff Beck. “We want to bring more awareness to the outstanding programs and academic excellence of Gadsden City High School.”
WGAD-AM/FM will broadcast all of the Titans’ football games this fall and offer support for all of the other athletic and educational programs of the school, including special fundraisers.
The arts, band and academics will also be a focus of the twin stations, which include WGAD-AM/FM’s WJBY-AM.
The station will share revenues from the athletic broadcasts with the school, which is thought to be a first for this area.
There will also be an intern program proposed for students who are considering a career in broadcast. Students will be recruited to assist in the production of several programs centered on essential functions of the school, such as “The Principle’s Office” with Gadsden City Principal Keith Blackwell, a 30-minute program scheduled to air monthly on both stations to update the public on administrative initiatives and academic programs within the school.
WGAD-AM/FM hopes to create a program that can be duplicated all over the state in which broadcasters can truly become partners in education.