ABOUT DR. WILLIAM “BILL” GAY

A Trailblazer in Radio and Television

I began my career in radio and television in 1971, unaware that I was stepping into a path that would make me a trailblazer in the industry. As the first person of color hired at several major media radio and television stations, I played a role in breaking racial barriers, advancing diversity, and paving the way for countless others.

I consider it a blessing to have witnessed and contributed to this historical change. My journey started in 1971 when I relocated from New York City to Baltimore, Maryland, during a time when race heavily influenced hiring decisions in the media industry. Determined to enter the field, I sought assistance from the Urban League, a civil rights organization, and secured a position as a Radio Engineer and Audio Board Operator at WCAO-AM-FM, the number one Top 40 radio station in the market, owned by Plough Broadcasting. I became the first Black employee at the station. My performance led to the station hiring its first Black on-air news reporter, Mr. Ernie Boston, a year later. In 1973, I pursued new opportunities and joined the Post-Newsweek-owned WTOP-TV-AM-FM in Washington, D.C., as the first Black Traffic Engineer, Master Control Operator, and Radio Board Operator. During my time there, I witnessed a historic transition when CEO Katharine Graham donated WTOP-FM 96.3 to Howard University. The station became WHUR, a vital platform for Black voices, and I was fortunate to contribute to its studio construction and launch. I was later hired as the first Black on-air DJ at WHMC 1160 AM, a Top 40 station in Gaithersburg, Maryland. The program director gave me the on-air name “Bob Kinney.” In 1974, I relocated to Atlanta after being recruited by the legendary James “Alley” Pat to work at WERD 860 AM, the first Black-owned radio station in the U.S. When the station was sold to Radio-AD Inc. and became WXAP 860 AM, I held multiple roles, including Chief Engineer—making me the youngest Black Chief Engineer in America at the time—as well as Program Director and Music Director. During my tenure, I produced and implemented Atlanta’s first local radio station jazz concert program at Chastain Park Amphitheater, which was broadcast on WTTG TV 17 Superstation. I also created the “Black Action News” newscasts and organized free live jazz and gospel concerts in collaboration with the City of Atlanta Parks Department, bringing entertainment to local communities. Continuing to break barriers, I became the first Black Chief Engineer of a white-owned Atlanta radio station, WIIN AM, under the leadership of Mr. Blake Hawkins. There, I had the privilege of working alongside the late “Skinny” Bobby Harper. Over the years, I worked at various other stations in Atlanta, including WRFG 89.3 FM as a jazz DJ, WXLL 1310 AM and WYZE 1480 AM as an R&B and gospel DJ, and WCLK 91.9 FM, where I was an “Oldies Heart & Soul” DJ for 12 years. While at WCLK, I broadcasted live from remote locations to support the late Hosea Williams’ Feed the Hungry campaigns. My experience also extended into country music radio, where I became the first Black on-air DJ at WCOB 1080 AM and WBIE FM 101.5 in Marietta, Georgia. However, due to racial tensions, management prohibited me from answering listener calls, fearing that white female callers might become too friendly. Despite these challenges, I continued to excel in my career and later worked as a gospel DJ at WBUS “The Bus” 96.7 in Newnan, Georgia.

Today, I am the DJ and owner of my own internet radio station, www.billgayshow.com. The pinnacle of my radio career has been spearheading the establishment of the National Radio Black Hall of Fame, housed in the WERD Museum at 330 Auburn Ave, Atlanta, Georgia—the very place where my Atlanta radio career began over 40 years ago. This museum stands as an international tribute to the contributions of Black men and women in radio.

Beyond radio, I have had the privilege of producing television programs, including:

• Nouveau (1991–1992) – A public affairs television series for WPBA Channel 30, produced for the City of Atlanta Bureau of Cultural Affairs.
• B.J. and Friends – An arts and entertainment special for WXIA 11 Alive (NBC Affiliate).
• Japan Fest ’88 – An intercultural television special for the City of Atlanta Bureau of Cultural Affairs.
• Throughout my career, I have remained dedicated to producing educational, news, public affairs, arts and entertainment, and commercial content across both radio and television. My lifelong mission has been to elevate Black voices and preserve the rich history of African Americans in broadcasting.