MIKE HAMMOND MOVES TO MERLE 96.7
(Knoxville,
TN) -- In its second major announcement in less than a week, Merle 96.7
(WMYL/Knoxville) today announced the addition of Hall of Fame Program Director
and Music Consultant Mike Hammond. “Mike brings four decades of country
music knowledge and relationships from Nashville to Knoxville to Merle FM,”
says Jack Ryan, Merle afternoon show host and station partner. “I’m
pleased to have him available on a professional level as well as a personal
one.”
In addition
to the professional aspect of Hammond’s presence at the radio group, there’s a
personal one: Mike is Jack’s father. “While Jack’s air name is
Ryan, his last name is Hammond,” says Mike. We’re both excited to
be working together again in this way.”
Hammond
serves as the Knox County Criminal Court Clerk. "This is my focus
each day, and I am proud of what our team has accomplished. Working with
Merle on the weekends will be another extension of my public service as I work
with artists and musicians to give them the chance to have their music heard on
the radio."
"In my
40 year career in country radio, music has been my passion. The chance to
hear new artists like Kenny Chesney and Taylor Swift and see their careers go
worldwide has been a source of pride to me. I hope to continue that
tradition with Merle FM. Ron and Jack are passionate about the music and
I look forward to working with them to bring not only new music from Nashville
but music from our local artists as well." Hammond begins his new
role April 1st.
Ron Meredith built Merle
FM 96.7 in 2007. It is now the highest
rated and most successful locally-owned radio station in the Knoxville
market. With the addition of afternoon
drive host now partner Jack Ryan in 2012 Merle FM accelerated the climb to the
top of Knoxville’s Radio market. Now, with the addition of Ed Brantley last
week and, Mike Hammond today the Merle FM staff will have more than 190 years
of combined broadcasting experience and will work to become Knoxville’s number
one radio station.