Ken Birdsong retires

 

 

In the heart of Englewood, Florida, for over 20 years, one voice has resonated through the airwaves of Charlotte and Sarasota counties, bringing the pulse of the community directly to listeners. Ken Birdsong, the steadfast broadcaster of “The Suncoast This Morning” on WENG-AM 1530, Monday thru Friday from 7am to 9 am, has announced his well-deserved retirement, marking the end of an era in local radio. Ken’s journey into broadcasting began innocently enough, a young boy captivated by the magic of radio during visits to KWOC in Poplar Bluffs, Missouri. It was there that the seeds of a lifelong passion were sown, leading him to fashion his own “pretend radio station” in his bedroom -an early indication of the commitment and enthusiasm that would define his career. “I just wanted to be the guy on the radio that everyone wants to enjoy listening to,” Ken reminisced about his humble beginnings, driven by a desire to connect with listeners and serve his community. Throughout his illustrious career, Ken’s voice became synonymous with reliability and warmth, delivering not just news and entertainment, but a personal touch that resonated deeply with his audience. From his early days volunteering at a Veterans hospital’s radio station to interviewing icons like Dolly Parton and Arnold Palmer, Ken’s journey took him across the country, each stop adding a chapter to his rich tapestry of experiences in radio. “Radio is more than just a medium; it’s a lifeline for those who depend on it,” Ken mused, reflecting on the enduring relevance of radio in an ever-evolving media landscape. His commitment to local broadcasting, evident in his tenure as general manager at WENG Radio, exemplifies his belief in the power of community-focused media.Beyond his professional achievements, Ken Birdsong’s legacy is one of integrity and passion. His dedication to his craft, coupled with his affable on-air persona, made him not just a broadcaster but a trusted friend to his listeners a constant presence in their mornings, offering both information and companionship. Ken leaves behind a void that will be difficult to fill. His impact on Englewood and its surrounding communities extends far beyond the reach of his radio waves, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of those who tuned in faithfully each day. Ken always ended his shows with, “It’s nice to be important, but more important to be nice”. Ken Birdsong will always be important to his many listeners!

SCORE July Webinars
Southwest Florida District 480 SCORE announces the following webinars during the month of July. “The Right Fit: Find, Attract and Retain (the Right) Employees” will be offered on Wednesday, July 10 at noon by Manasota SCORE. Learn how to identify what you are looking for in an employee and how to evolve your hiring practices. “Navigating the Legal Landscape: A Small Business Guide to Employment Laws & Compliance” is offered by the Pasco-Hernando SCORE office on Thursday, July 11 at 1pm. Explore the intricacies of employment laws & compliance for small business owners. “Ditch the Blank Page: Conquer Excel with Awesome Templates” is offered by Manasota SCORE on Wednesday, July 24 at noon. Learn how to leverage the power of pre-built Excel templates. “Tax Implications for Small Business” will be Wednesday, July 24 at noon by Pasco-Hernando SCORE. Federal and Florida business entities will be discussed as will state and local licensing requirements. Also, covered will be federal and state employment taxes. “Social Media Webinar: Content Creation Made Easy” is offered by Pasco-Hernando SCORE on Friday, July 26 at noon. “Sunshine State Startups: Launch Your Florida Business” is offered by Manasota SCORE on Wednesday, July 31 at noon. To learn more and register for Manasota webinars, go to score.org/manasota. To learn more and register for Pasco-Hernando webinars, go to score.org/pascohernando.