11/26/2024
Contact Information:
Guaranty Media
Gordy Rush
225-388-9898
Gordy.Rush@guarantymedia.com
Release Date:
November 25, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Guaranty Media Names Michelle Southern Operations Manager
BATON ROUGE, La. — Guaranty Media has announced that Michelle Southern has been promoted to Operations Manager for the Baton Rouge, La. media group.
Southern is one of the most decorated on-air talents in Louisiana radio history, excelling in nearly every format throughout her career. In addition to her current role on Eagle 98.1, Southern has owned the airwaves in country, news, classic hits and soft rock. She also carries high-level management experience during her 25 years in the industry.
After beginning her career at KNOE in Monroe in 1998, Southern would find her way to Baton Rouge where she would soon be promoted to her first Program Director role at Citadel Broadcasting. She would land at Guaranty for a four-year sting hosting a wildly popular country music morning drive show, before spending the next seven years as a reporter and anchor for Louisiana Radio Network.
She returned to Guaranty Media in 2017 and took the reins in afternoon drive on Eagle 98.1 in 2018. During that time, she also served as the cluster’s Creative Services Director. Southern added Program Director of the heritage rock station to her resume in 2022.
As the host of “Southern Rock,” she has been recognized three times by the Louisiana Association of Broadcasters as the Radio Personality of the Year, the state’s top honor for an on-air talent.
Southern has also garnered national acclaim, winning the Celebration of Service to America Award from the National Association of Broadcasters for her “Future DJ Radio Day” program.
“Michelle Southern’s promotion to Operations Manager at Guaranty Media is a testament to her unwavering dedication, exceptional talent and leadership,” said Guaranty Vice President Gordy Rush. “Her journey from rocking the airwaves on Eagle 98.1 to steering the operations of a leading media company is truly inspiring. We look forward to the innovative and dynamic direction she will bring to our team.”
In her new role, Southern will be responsible for leading Guaranty’s strategic efforts both in radio and emerging technologies. She will also oversee the radio stations’ marketing efforts as well as the hiring and management of the group’s talent.
“My love for radio has been a constant in my life,” said Southern. “And it’s a privilege to share my passion with that of the mission of Guaranty Corporation, especially as we approach our 100-year anniversary. I’m honored to be able to contribute to that legacy.”
In addition to her duties as Operations Manager, Southern will continue in her present roles as Program Director and afternoon drive host on Eagle 98.1.
