Hank Arrives In Ironton – JB Miller to Anchor New Classic Country 107.1 WIRO

Classic Country Tunes Hit the Airwaves in ironton, Ohio

Ironton, Ohio is getting a fresh dose of classic country music! Total Media Group has recently rebranded its acquired 107.1 FM station to Hank-FM, expanding its footprint of the beloved classic country format in southeastern Ohio.

familiar voice Returns to Radio

Adding to the excitement is the return of local radio personality JB Miller to the airwaves. Miller, known for his 13-year stint at “101.5 Big Buck Country,” brings his extensive experiance and passion for classic country to Hank-FM, promising listeners a familiar and welcoming sound.

From Holiday Hits to Country Classics

the stationS transition to Hank-FM was anything but ordinary. Listeners were treated to a unique blend of festive holiday tunes and even a surprise Prince marathon, creating a memorable and fun-filled introduction to the new format.

the Enduring Appeal of Classic Country

This marks the second Hank-FM station in southeastern Ohio, highlighting the format’s undeniable popularity in the region. “What do you think makes the classic country format so successful in southeastern Ohio?” we asked Miller. His response:

“Classic country resonates deeply wiht listeners as it tells stories that people can relate to. The music is timeless, the lyrics are honest and heartfelt, and it evokes a sense of nostalgia for simpler times.”

A Look at the Future of Classic Country Radio

With decades of experience in the radio industry, Miller has witnessed firsthand the evolution of the medium. When asked about the future of classic country and terrestrial radio, he remained optimistic:

“I believe classic country has a bright future. People crave authenticity and real connection,and that’s what classic country delivers.Terrestrial radio still holds a special place in people’s hearts because it provides a sense of community and shared experience.”

For those new to classic country, Miller recommends starting with a song that embodies the genre’s timeless appeal:

“‘He Stopped Loving Her Today’ by George Jones is a masterpiece. It’s a heartbreaking ballad about undying love,and it’s a song that everyone should hear at least once.”

With its commitment to authentic music, a beloved local personality, and a strong connection to its community, Hank-FM is poised to become a cherished destination for classic country fans in Ironton and beyond.

The Return of a Radio Legend: JB Miller Headlines 107.1 Hank-FM

Southeastern Ohio’s airwaves are buzzing with the return of a beloved radio personality and the launch of a new station dedicated to classic country hits.Total Media Group has rebranded 107.1 WIRO as “107.1 Hank-FM,” bringing the timeless sounds of country music to Ironton and beyond.

A Familiar Voice Returns

Leading the morning drive on 107.1 Hank-FM is none other than JB Miller. After a 13-year stint with kindred Communications’ “101.5 Big Buck Country” WXBW in Gallipolis, OH/Huntington WV, miller’s career took an unexpected turn in September 2024 when a budget cut led to his departure. “Radio silence” ended after 46 years in the industry, a career that included stops at various Huntington stations, WKRC Cincinnati, and WODJ Grand rapids.

A Playful Path to Classic Country

WIRO took listeners on a unique journey before settling on its new format. In early December, the station embraced the holiday spirit as “Ho Ho Radio.” New Year’s Eve brought a surprising change with a continuous loop of Prince’s “1999,” followed by a few days dedicated to Billy ray Cyrus’s “Achy Breaky Heart.” This playful period culminated in the launch of the “hank-FM” brand.

This marks the second “hank-FM” station in southeastern Ohio for Total Media Group,joining 100.9 WXIZ Waverly/Chillicothe, which debuted in February 2024.

What Makes Classic Country So Popular in Southeastern Ohio?

Exclusive Interview: JB Miller on the Launch of 107.1 Hank-FM and the Resurgence of Classic Country

Introduction

We sat down with JB to discuss his journey, the new station, and the enduring appeal of classic country.

Classic Country Makes a Comeback with 107.1 Hank-FM

JB Miller Returns to Southeast Ohio Airwaves with a Passion for Timeless Tunes

After a brief hiatus, radio veteran JB Miller is back on the airwaves, bringing classic country to southeastern Ohio with the launch of 107.1 Hank-FM.”It feels astounding to be back,” says Miller,who boasts a long and respected career in radio,including a 13-year run with “101.5 Big Buck Country.”

The Enduring Power of Classic Country

For Miller,classic country is more than just music; it’s a window into the soul of America. “Classic country tells stories of real life—love, heartbreak, joy, and struggle,” he explains. “Artists like Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, and Johnny Cash didn’t just sing songs; they shared pieces of their souls. That authenticity is what draws people in.”

And that authenticity continues to resonate with listeners today. In an age of digital distractions, classic country offers a sense of connection and genuine emotion that’s hard to find elsewhere. “even today,listeners crave that connection,and classic country delivers it in spades,” Miller adds.

A Festive Introduction to Hank-FM

Miller’s return to the airwaves wasn’t a typical one. The transition to Hank-FM was marked by a unique and festive holiday theme, complete with a “Ho Ho Radio” stint. “It was definitely a fun way to keep listeners engaged!” Miller laughs, recalling the creative approach. Even a Prince marathon and a spin of Billy ray Cyrus’s “Achy Breaky Heart” were thrown into the mix, keeping listeners guessing and building excitement for the big reveal.

A Heritage of Country Music in Southeastern Ohio

The success of hank-FM in southeastern Ohio is no accident. The region has a deep-rooted love affair with country music. “Southeastern Ohio has a rich history of country music,” Miller notes. “It’s part of the fabric of this community.”

Hank-FM taps into that heritage while offering something fresh and engaging. “We’re not just playing the hits; we’re curating an experience,” Miller says. He envisions Hank-FM as a place where listeners can connect with the music, the stories, and with each other, creating a strong sense of community.

The Future of Country Music and Radio

Miller, who has seen the radio industry evolve over decades, remains optimistic about the future of both classic country and terrestrial radio. “it’s all about adapting and connecting with listeners,” he says. “As long as there’s a desire for authentic stories and genuine human connection,classic country will always have a place.”

Classic Country: A Timeless Sound Finding New Fans

Classic country music is experiencing a resurgence, finding a renewed audience among younger listeners who appreciate its authentic storytelling and timeless themes. The genre’s enduring appeal is evident in the popularity of stations like 107.1 Hank-FM, which proudly showcases the sounds that define a generation.

A Place for Terrestrial Radio

While streaming services and podcasts have undoubtedly changed the music landscape, JB Miller, the voice behind 107.1 Hank-FM, believes that terrestrial radio still holds a special place in listeners’ hearts. “It’s personal, local, and immediate,” Miller explains. He’s optimistic about the future, stating, “The future is bright—for both the genre and the medium.”

Timeless Storytelling

When asked about a must-listen classic country song, Miller doesn’t hesitate. ” ‘He Stopped Loving Her Today’ by George Jones,” he says. “It’s a masterpiece of storytelling and emotion. Every time I hear it, I’m reminded of why I fell in love with country music in the first place.”

More Than Just Music

For 107.1 Hank-FM, classic country is more than just music; it’s a way of life. With JB Miller at the helm, listeners are transported back to a time when every song had a story to tell, and the music spoke to the heart. Tune in, turn up the volume, and experience the magic of classic country.

What’s your favorite classic country song? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

what do you think is the primary reason classic country music continues to resonate with listeners in Southeastern Ohio?

Classic Country Makes a Comeback with 107.1 Hank-FM

JB Miller Returns to Southeast ohio Airwaves with a Passion for Timeless Tunes

After a brief hiatus,radio veteran JB Miller is back on the airwaves,bringing classic country to southeastern Ohio with the launch of 107.1 Hank-FM. “It feels astounding to be back,” says Miller, who boasts a long and respected career in radio, including a 13-year run with “101.5 Big Buck Country.”

The Enduring Power of Classic Country

For Miller, classic country is more than just music; itS a window into the soul of America. “Classic country tells stories of real life—love,heartbreak,joy,and struggle,” he explains. “Artists like Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, and Johnny Cash didn’t just sing songs; they shared pieces of their souls. That authenticity is what draws people in.”

and that authenticity continues to resonate with listeners today. In an age of digital distractions, classic country offers a sense of connection and genuine emotion that’s hard to find elsewhere. “Even today, listeners crave that connection, and classic country delivers it in spades,” Miller adds.

A Festive Introduction to Hank-FM

Miller’s return to the airwaves wasn’t a typical one. The transition to Hank-FM was marked by a unique blend of festive holiday tunes and even a surprise Prince marathon, creating a memorable and fun-filled introduction to the new format.

Exclusive Interview: JB Miller on the Launch of 107.1 Hank-FM and the Resurgence of Classic Country

Introduction

We sat down with JB to discuss his journey, the new station, and the enduring appeal of classic country.

What Makes Classic Country So Popular in Southeastern Ohio?

when asked about the enduring popularity of classic country in southeastern Ohio, Miller didn’t hesitate. “Classic country resonates deeply with listeners as it tells stories that people can relate to. The music is timeless,the lyrics are honest and heartfelt,and it evokes a sense of nostalgia for simpler times.”

A Look at the future of Classic Country Radio

With decades of experiance in the radio industry, Miller has witnessed firsthand the evolution of the medium. When asked about the future of classic country and terrestrial radio, he remained optimistic: “I believe classic country has a radiant future. People crave authenticity and real connection, and that’s what classic country delivers. Terrestrial radio still holds a special place in people’s hearts because it provides a sense of community and shared experience.”

Recommendations for New listeners

For those new to classic country, Miller recommends starting with a song that embodies the genre’s timeless appeal: “‘He Stopped Loving Her Today’ by George Jones is a masterpiece. It’s a heartbreaking ballad about undying love, and it’s a song that everyone should hear at least once.”

Conclusion

With its commitment to authentic music, a beloved local personality, and a strong connection to its community, Hank-FM is poised to become a cherished destination for classic country fans in Ironton and beyond.

The Return of a Radio Legend: JB Miller Headlines 107.1 Hank-FM

Southeastern Ohio’s airwaves are buzzing with the return of a beloved radio personality and the launch of a new station dedicated to classic country hits. Total Media Group has rebranded 107.1 WIRO as “107.1 Hank-FM,” bringing the timeless sounds of country music to Ironton and beyond.

A Familiar Voice Returns

Leading the morning drive on 107.1 Hank-FM is none other than JB Miller. After a 13-year stint with Kindred Communications’ “101.5 Big Buck Country” WXBW in Gallipolis, OH/Huntington WV, Miller’s career took an unexpected turn in September 2024 when a budget cut led to his departure. “Radio silence” ended after 46 years in the industry,a career that included stops at various Huntington stations,WKRC Cincinnati,and WODJ Grand Rapids.

A Playful Path to Classic Country

WIRO took listeners on a unique journey before settling on its new format. In early December, the station embraced the holiday spirit as “Ho Ho Radio.” New Year’s Eve brought a surprising change with a continuous loop of Prince’s “1999,” followed by a few days dedicated to Billy Ray Cyrus’s “Achy Breaky Heart.” This playful period culminated in the launch of the “Hank-FM” brand.

This marks the second “Hank-FM” station in southeastern Ohio for Total media Group, joining 100.9 WXIZ Waverly/Chillicothe, which debuted in February 2024.

What Makes Classic Country So Popular in Southeastern Ohio?

Miller’s insights into the genre’s appeal are backed by his extensive experience and deep connection with the community.”Classic country is more than just music; it’s a way of life for many people in this region. The stories, the emotions, and the authenticity of the music resonate deeply with our listeners.”

As 107.1 Hank-FM continues to grow, it’s clear that JB Miller and the timeless tunes of classic country are here to stay, bringing joy and connection to the hearts of southeastern ohio.