Whether you begin your commute, embark on a road-trip or take a quick drive to the gas station, there is a high chance that the radio will be playing. According to News Generation, more than 244.5 million Americans listen to the radio each month. However, upon sliding into the driver’s seat, when have you considered the individuals behind the broadcast waves?
92ZEW is a locally-owned and operated radio station in Mobile, Alabama. Household names for the radio station include Gene Murrell, Kelly Finley, Tony in the Morning, Matt McCoy and more. Matt McCoy currently serves as the Promotions and Marketing Director with 92ZEW, but his impact includes a 30-year career, philanthropic efforts and an overall optimistic zeal for life.
Much like anything else in McCoy’s career, he fell into radio by happy accident.
A local radio DJ discovered 17-year-old McCoy on his high school forensics team. That part-time gig was the catalyst for an extensive career in radio. McCoy admitted that he ended up on the Gulf Coast by accident when he accepted a job offer with Legendary Top 40 WABB. Instantly welcomed as a Gulf Coast personality, McCoy hosted the morning show for seven to eight years.
“Things changed. I’ve got a couple of kids. I knew I had to decide on a ‘real job,’” McCoy said in a phone interview with a dash of self-deprecating humor. “Just like the rest of my life, I got a random call from Pensacola.”
McCoy accepted a job offer with iHeartRadio Kiss FM. After another eight years and a meet-cute with Tim and Lee Ann Camp of “TLC in the Morning”, McCoy became Promotions and Marketing Director with 92ZEW.
“You feel like you know these people. They’re your friends. I’ve been doing this for 30 years and I tell people–it’s the painting the room scenario. You have a playlist on, but it’s hollow and empty. Instead, the radio is a voice in your ear. You feel like a friend is talking to you,” McCoy explained.
Outside of radio and his children, McCoy pursues two philanthropic efforts: rescuing animals and helping to defeat cancer. McCoy has two rescued pitbulls, but defeating cancer remains his true passion.
“I’ve lost so many people just over the past 5 years to cancer. I’m just sick of it,” McCoy said. “Every year, I help do Bras Across the Causeway. Last year, it was so big that we ran out of space for attendees–during COVID!”
McCoy also recently signed up as an ambassador for the American Cancer Society.
When asked if he had any advice for individuals struggling to find their way, McCoy laughed and said, “I have a mission statement, and believe it or not, I got it from a country song and I added to it over the years:
‘Life is a dance and you learn as you go. But just like the tango, if you get tangled up, and you will, don’t panic. Tango on.’”
92ZEW is more than just voices in your ear. 92ZEW is a locally owned and operated radio station. Learn more about The Sound of Mobile by visiting https://92zew.net/contact/ today.
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