Bernie Dittman, owner of WABB in Mobile since 1959, passed away.

[soylentpurple]

He was the last of the independents in Mobile, and treated his employees well.

 

[Art Carlson]

A genuinely good, good man. In an day and age where we see the integrity
of ownership swirling down the drain, Bernie cared about his stations and his
people.

 

[ouuc]

No disrespect intended, but he must have changed significantly since I worked for him in 1983-84.

I respected him as a businessman. He obviously knew what he was doing. He was able to compete against CC, Cumulus, et al. However, at that time, he treated his employees like $#*!; he really did. Low pay, and very ascerbic and condescending. There were legendary shouting matches between him and his minions in the long narrow hallway on Spring Hill Avenue.

Nonetheless, anytime a former colleague or employer passes away, it is a sad experience. Rest in peace, Bernie.

 

[vtown]

I worked for Bernie for 4 years and not only was he a great guy but a broadcaster that ALL others should take a lesson from. As for him treating his employees bad, that isn't true....unless you did something to not earn his respect. If you were committed to him...you would get it back. he is a man that can not be replace but his daughter betsy will come damn close.

If you really don't have anything nice to say about him..... it actually says a great deal about you.

Rest in peace my friend you will be missed

Jo Valentine
Wabb 2000-2004

 

[the golden boy]

So what happens to his stations? Will his family continue to run them or will they sell?

 

[William_Yeager]

It's no longer on WABB's site (although it is in Wikipedia's article on Bernie Dittman), but Betsey Dittman is moving to Mobile to take the reins of WABB. The station will remain with Dittman Broadcasting.

I've never met Mr. Dittman (or anyone else from WABB for that matter), but it was WABB that gave me an enthusiasm for radio (especially Top 40) that none of the other stations in Mobile ever did.