Unfortunately, first-person accounts from some of Jacksonville’s earliest broadcasters were not recorded for posterity. Determined not to let more of their stories disappear, former WJXT editorial director and Jacksonville Broadcasters Association founder Harry Reagan began videotaping oral histories of many of Jacksonville’s pioneering broadcasters.

Over the last two decades, other JBA members, including John Harrell, Mary Jo Trenkler, Howard Kelley, Mike Lyons and Angela Spears, have continued to record interviews with this market’s legendary radio and television broadcasters.

Their recollections and colorful tales tell an impressive story of broadcasting’s contributions to this community. In this growing collection of interviews, you’ll gain insight into the men and women who set the stage for the ever-evolving roles of their mediums.

While many of the interviewees are familiar faces, you will also meet broadcasters from behind the scenes. Early interviews were made in association with the Jacksonville Historical Society. In more recent years, we have enjoyed an association with the University of North Florida for providing production resources.

With each new generation of committed broadcasters, the project continues. New oral histories are added each year, so keep checking back for new faces.