Ayres touted as one of nation's top radio GMs

Palm Coast Observer
Business

David Ayres, vice president/general manager of Flagler County Broadcasting LLC, was recently named one of the nation's top radio station general managers by Radio Ink magazine, a radio-industry trade publication that is published bi-weekly for the radio management sector of the radio broadcasting industry.

Ayres was recognized in the Oct. 22 edition, which highlighted some of the country’s top general managers in radio.

Radio Ink selected 50 of the nation’s top general managers, according to Ed Ryan, editor-in-chief of the magazine.

“It’s really an honor to be nationally recognized by Radio Ink,” Ayres said. “This award is shared by each and every member of our broadcast team.”

Four years ago, Ayres and a much smaller broadcast team began News/Talk Radio WNZF, a 24-hour news, sports and information radio station in Flagler County — the first of its kind.

Since, Flagler County Broadcasting has grown exponentially, and there are now four radio stations — three of which are music stations.

“Building four brand new radio stations in four years might seem like a lot of work, but it has also been a lot of fun,” Ayres said.

Tricia Woods, CFO of Flagler County Broadcasting, said radio has become such a cold business because there are so many big groups that own radio stations.

“There is very little community involvement (now),” Woods said. “David comes from the mentality that we have these (broadcasting) licenses to serve the public, and that’s what radio’s goal is.”

Woods, who has known Ayres for 20 years, said Ayres is a great all-around person, on the air and off.

“I think that he ... really reflects the true essence of being a radio manager and a leader,” she said. “I think he exemplifies all of that.”

Although honored, Ayres will continue with his show on Friday mornings on 1550 AM and 106.3 FM. And he’ll continue to be seen all over town at various community events.

That’s just the nature of who he is.

“Every day, we appreciate our thousands of listeners, advertisers and community leaders for allowing us to serve them,” he said. “This national recognition motivates all of us to be the best local radio stations in the country, in the best place to live — Flagler County.”