2011 Legacy Inductee
Ben Porter
1933 - 2010
In 1948, Ben Porter's radio career began, at age 15, in his hometown of Valdosta. Porter was hired as an announcer at WGOV-AM. He hosted an afternoon rhythm and blues show, in character, as “Jack, the Bellboy.” In 1957, Porter moved to Macon to become News Director at WBML-AM, developing the station’s massive mobile news operation. later, Ben was promoted to Assistant General Manager. In 1963, Porter became a partner with Charles Adams at WCRY-AM. Under the banner of Middle Georgia Broadcasting, Porter and Adams expanded the company, with the addition of WCRY-FM (later WPEZ-FM) in 1973. In 1976, Porter bought out Adams and changed the company name to Piedmont Communications Corporation. WCRY-AM changed its call letters to WDDO in 1977, and its new urban format offered immediate competition for WIBB-AM. The following year, WDDO swapped frequencies with WBML to become Macon's first radio station with 24 hour programming for the African-American market. In 1994, Piedmont added WMGB-FM in Macon to its family of radio stations. Piedmont was sold in 1996. Ben Porter was active in the community and the state, serving as president and board member of many organizations. He is founder of the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail in Macon.
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© Georgia Radio Hall Of Fame Corporation, 2011