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WMCT owner Fran Atkinson passes

S

spacetrucker

Fran passed away at Watauga Medical Center in Boone, N.C. approximately 1:15am Tuesday May 13, 2008. Fran would have observed her 76th birthday on May 22nd. We at WMCT fondly remember her love and devotion to family, her staff, many friends, and the community. Remember her daughter Janice, granddaughters Elizabeth and Emma Grace, staff of WMCT, and great host of friends in your prayers.

Funeral Service for Fran Atkinson will be held Thursday evening May 15 at 7PM from First Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 5-7 PM at the Church. Burial will be Friday morning at 11AM at Sunset Memorial Park. Arrangements are being handled by Hux-Lipford Funeral Home.
 
spacetrucker said:
Fran passed away at Watauga Medical Center in Boone, N.C. approximately 1:15am Tuesday May 13, 2008. Fran would have observed her 76th birthday on May 22nd. We at WMCT fondly remember her love and devotion to family, her staff, many friends, and the community. Remember her daughter Janice, granddaughters Elizabeth and Emma Grace, staff of WMCT, and great host of friends in your prayers.

Funeral Service for Fran Atkinson will be held Thursday evening May 15 at 7PM from First Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 5-7 PM at the Church. Burial will be Friday morning at 11AM at Sunset Memorial Park. Arrangements are being handled by Hux-Lipford Funeral Home.
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What's going to happen to the station? I think Fran has children. TO KEEP CORPORATE OUT, I have the cash to buy the station, and if anyone wants to partner with me, WMCT empolyees, etc, that's cool. We'll keep that station running just like it is, in Fran's and her late husband's memory. if it goes up for sale.

If some corporate tries to step in, let's all jump in and block them. I have the resources, the money, and WMCT empolyees will all own the station and keep it local. We'll fight to the end.

Scott Bailey
Classic Broadcasting of Sumner County
WMRO-AM, Magic 1560
Gallatin, TN
 
I can't even fathom corporate radio wanting a standalone AM in rural Johnson County. That doesn't mean they couldn't get a slug for a new owner, but I doubt any company big enough to have a controller or a human resources department would ever buy WMCT.
 
I think Frans daughter who is a lawyer in town will probably keep it.
 
Can anybody get some pictures of WMCT's tower and transmitter site. I was talking Jim Gilley at WMCT and he told me they use a Harris/Gates BC-1H Transmitter. That was one of the last transmitters Harris made with the 833 tubes in it. Thier tower is not tall, but gets out well. Love to see it!

I don't need to own another station. One station is enough for me to own, but as long as Fran's daughter is going to hold on to the place, I know it's in good hands and won't be sold! Jim, David, Lester, and the gang up there have a good thing going AND I'm for it staying that way!

There is one thing I would love to do, it to do one board shift on WMCT just to say I've been on there! Got to talk to Jim about that! Beautiful drive up there from Gallatin!

Some days just having one station can be a chore, but I love it!

Scott
 
I hope to be going up to visit Jim in a week or so. I'll take the camera and get you some pics. Jim is a great guy and an asset to any station. We worked together at several stations in North Carolina. I called and told him of your post and offer. Glad you two got in touch. I have a son that lives in Nashville. Would love to visit your station next time I'm in the area.
Ben
 
Fran Atkinson and Jim Gilley gave me my first radio opportunity in 1999. I guess that was one of the last chances anyone starting in the business had the chance to use carts and play some 45's. I miss those days, and will cherish them forever.

I am glad to see the positive discussion about such a great woman.


Scotty Campbell
Nashville, TN
 
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