ON-AIR TALENT

Mark Gunn

Vice President of Programming - Aircom Media

Mark got his start back in the late 70’s and is celebrating almost 50 years in the business. He’s worked in a variety of formats including Top 40, Rock, Urban Contemporary and Country to name a few.

He was first brought to Louisville in the late 80’s when the legendary Tony Fields hired him for Afternoons at what was J-101.7 (WJYL) It was there that he also met Aircom Media co – owner, David Smith.

Because of the unique synergy between Fields, Smith and Gunn, they would go on to work together at several different markets throughout the country. Cincinnati, San Francisco, Milwaukee and Los Angeles to name a few.

It was in Los Angeles where Mark would gain national notoriety. In 1992, as Music Director of KACE – FM, he instituted a policy called “Enjoyability with Responsibility”. It was designed to remove songs whose lyrical content had a negative effect on the Black Community. The initiative was adopted by several different radio stations across the country and garnered national and international media coverage. As a result, Mark would go on to become a consultant for a radio station in Lagos, Nigeria and an American Music correspondent for a radio station in Japan. He also received awards from the N.A.A.C.P., N.O.W. (The National Organization for Women), the California State Senate and a commendation from President Bill Clinton.
 
As fate would have it, he would reconnect with Tony Fields when he was hired to do mornings at WIZF in Cincinnati and was subsequently brought back to Louisville to program WGZB (B-96.5).

At the end of 2019, he would reconnect with David Smith, who, along with his business partner, Pete Boyce, had recently purchased WLOU and WLLV.

“The phone call was short and sweet” as Gunn recalls. “Brother, I need you” and that was all that needed to be said. “Being back together with Tony & David is as it should be.” Mark states. “We made our reputations outside of Louisville and it’s a blessing to be able to bring our collective knowledge and experience back home in order to reclaim WLOU’s place as THE station to listen to.”
In addition to what he does for WLOU and Aircom Media, not many people know that Mark is a singer, musician and producer. “I fronted a cover band back in the 80’s” Gunn says “and have spent a little time in recording studios as a session vocalist”. Mark also has the distinction of being the 1st African – American to produce a Rock project in Louisville. “The name of the band was Lotus Blake and it was a labor of love.” Mark recalls. “We even got looked at by a couple of major record labels at the time”.

Mark also started modeling a couple of years ago and is the president of a men’s modeling troop called “Thee M.O.D. Squad” – Men Of Distinction. “We’re a men’s advocacy group that uses fashion as a means of reaching people.”  The goal of Thee M.O.D. Squad is to address issues like mental and spiritual health and to normalize being well – dressed as a means of uplifting self – esteem.
If that wasn’t enough, he also hosts a podcast called “GunnShots Str8 From The Hip” where he tackles social issues, politics, and he puts the spotlight on ordinary people that do extraordinary things. 
 
Mark Gunn has always been an extremely conscience voice in the community. He sums it up every day when he goes off the air with this phrase: “IF YOU CAN’T CHANGE THE PEOPLE AROUND YOU, THEN CHANGE THE PEOPLE AROUND YOU.
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DeDE maguire

"The Hardest Working Women in Radio"

A trailblazer and industry leader who has been entertaining radio audiences for years. Entertaining, empowering, and enlightening are just a few words that describe this powerhouse media mogul.

DeDe Maguire, the hardest working woman in radio! A trailblazer and industry leader who has been entertaining radio audiences for years. Entertaining, empowering, and enlightening are just a few words that describe this powerhouse media mogul. Her talent, work ethic and personality are the reasons why she is one of only a few women nationwide to have her very own nationally syndicated morning show.

DeDe has appeared on CNN, FOX, Oxygen and BET and has interviewed world leaders from President Obama to Hillary Clinton, to celebrities such as Jay Z and Beyonce. She is a philanthropist, community activist, mentor and volunteer. DeDe McGuire strives to continue being a popular media personality, strong working woman and entrepreneur.

She has been recognized within her industry and community. Some of her accolades include the International Black Broadcasters (IBBA) Lifetime Achievement Award; winner of The Elite News Communications Award; Shades of Success Honoree; and named one of the Top 25 Women by Rolling out Magazine.

DeDe continues to give back to the community through countless non-profit organizations and scholarships such as the Women Called Moses, Beauty and Brains’ DeDe McGuire Scholarship and as the Community Ambassador for Dress for Success Dallas. In March 2018, she inaugurated DeDe’s Women’s History Month Kickoff Luncheon benefiting Girls Inc. Dallas and Dress for Success Dallas.

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