Atlanta Says Goodbye to ‘Fish 104.7’
After 23 years of playing Christian pop hits, Atlanta’s beloved “Fish 104.7” signed off the airwaves on Friday. The station, known for its infectious music and dedicated listeners, was sold by Salem Media to The Education Media Foundation, a Franklin, Tennessee-based nonprofit, for $80 million.
Salem Media, facing financial challenges, opted to sell its seven “Fish” stations nationwide. Starting this Saturday, 104.7 will transform into Air1, a syndicated worship music format broadcasting out of Nashville.
“I never thought this would happen,” shared Mike Blakemore, Fish 104.7’s program director for 17 years. “Both their Dallas and Atlanta Fish stations were making a lot of money.”
Despite the bittersweet farewell, Avery and Scott, two of the station’s original employees from its launch in October 2000, were resolute to give their listeners a proper send-off. Last Saturday, they held a packed farewell party at Mount Paran Church. The emotional event saw an outpouring of support from dedicated fans, where the duo spent over four hours reminiscing and capturing memories with their longtime listeners.
Atlanta Radio Icon, “The Fish,” Says Goodbye After 25 Years
A wave of nostalgia and bittersweet memories washed over Atlanta this week as “The Fish,” a local radio station that held a unique place in the city’s heart for 25 years, signed off for the final time. More than 40 dedicated employees, along with cherished alumni, gathered for one last hurrah at the Atlanta Fish Market, a fitting location to reflect on their journey.
“We had our first client kickoff event there in 2000,” shared Allen Power, who played a pivotal role in bringing “the Fish” to life. Now president of Salem’s broadcast media division, Power reminisced about that early meeting, adding with a hint of pride, “I told them that if someone were going to write a book about the history of Atlanta radio, the Fish would be a big chapter.”
Power’s vision was clear from the start. When he hired Kevin Avery as program director and morning host, they discussed the prevailing perception of Christian stations as less professional than their secular counterparts. Salem, with “The Fish,” aimed to challenge this notion head-on. They strived to create a station that matched the sonic polish and elegant presentation of Atlanta’s radio giants, B98.5 and Star 94,all while appealing to the same coveted 25-to-54 female demographic.
“I’m a man of faith,” Power explained, “but I can tell you there’s a spiritual component to the success of the Fish. But our goal was always to produce excellent radio every day.” This commitment to excellence undeniably resonated with listeners,carving out a unique space for “The Fish” in the Atlanta radio landscape.
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Atlanta’s Fish 104.7 Signs Off After 25 Years, Leaving Lasting Impact on Listeners
The airwaves in Atlanta are a little quieter this month with the closing of legendary radio station Fish 104.7. After a quarter century of playing contemporary christian music and connecting with listeners,the station’s final broadcast marked the end of an era.The closure was met with a wave of nostalgia and sadness from long-time fans who felt a deep connection to the station and its on-air personalities. As parks Stamper, a midday host for 21 years, remarked, “We heard so much from listeners who felt like they were losing friends they had grown up with.” Her sentiment echoed throughout the final weeks as listeners shared their memories and expressed their gratitude for the station’s impact on their lives.
Stamper, who retired in 2022, even flew in from Florida to attend the farewell party, highlighting the strong bonds formed between the station and its audience. She shared a touching anecdote about a listener who picked her up from the airport and took her to the party, leading to a lasting friendship that began with a phone call she answered at the station.
though the Fish’s departure is a notable loss for Atlanta’s radio landscape, the station’s dedication to providing a platform for both music and community resonated deeply. Spiff Carner, a former personality on several atlanta stations, emphasized the rarity of such a heartfelt farewell. He observed, “I’ve been on five different radio stations in atlanta and we didn’t get to say goodbye at any of them.”
The closure of Fish 104.7 reflects a larger trend in the radio industry.Traditional radio stations have faced challenges as listeners increasingly turn to podcasts, streaming services, and other platforms for their audio content. Roddy Freeman,a media buyer in Atlanta with over three decades of experiance,pointed to the shift in advertising revenue towards digital platforms and the mounting debt burden on large radio groups.
Despite the difficulties, Freeman acknowledged the unique value the Fish offered: “The Fish, he noted as a media buyer, ‘provided a unique means of reaching a somewhat exclusive, high quality audience.’”
atlanta radio Waves Say Goodbye to Beloved Duo, “The Fish”
After 25 years of broadcasting, Atlanta radio waves fell silent on a beloved duo, leaving listeners heartbroken. Avery and Scott, the voices behind “the Fish” 104.7, signed off for the last time, marking the end of an era.
Their infectious laughter, genuine warmth, and unwavering commitment to their community resonated deeply, forging a bond with listeners that extended beyond mere radio waves.
“The Fish” wasn’t just a radio station; it was a cherished institution, woven into the fabric of Atlanta. Butch Miller, owner of Milton Martin Honda in Gainesville, shared, “They are genuinely nice people who are nice to others. The Fish, to me, was the single best advertising vehicle I’ve ever used.” Miller recalled the profound impact the duo had, remembering Scott’s presence at his church during a time of immense grief.
Miller emphasized,“They are part of the fabric of this region. When you pull a key thread like that, it leaves a major hole.”
Their final broadcast was filled with emotion. Fans and friends, including scott’s longtime friend Cindy simmons, a former radio host on rival station Star 94, shared heartfelt messages. A poignant segment featuring a joke from a young listener, a tradition known as “junior Joker,” served as a reminder of the joy they brought to generations.
Avery choked back tears while reading a letter from his children, while Scott, reflecting on her journey, spoke candidly about the bittersweet feeling of longing for children but finding fulfillment in her nieces and nephews. In a powerful message, she urged those who have distanced themselves from faith to embrace the uplifting lyrics of Apollo LTD’s “Soul Worth Saving.”
as the clock struck 10 a.m., marking the end of their journey, Avery embraced Scott and producer Griff Adkins, who had been a fixture at the station since his high school years.Scott confessed, “That was really hard.”
Tom Sullivan, a 30-year veteran of Star 94 and a close friend of Scott’s, expressed his profound sadness. “I wasn’t as upset when I was let go by Star as I am now,” he admitted. “The Fish touched my soul from the beginning. It’s like a family member leaving me. It’s a void. And I loved when they changed to Christmas every year. It was so joyous.”
Despite the challenging landscape of radio, Avery and Scott remain optimistic. Confident in their enduring brand, they hope to continue their journey together, bringing laughter, warmth, and connection to listeners wherever they land.
A recent break in their whirlwind schedule has given this dynamic duo time to breathe and recharge. They plan to enjoy the well-deserved downtime before seeking out their next home.”Our show is really that versatile,” Avery remarked, highlighting their appeal lies less in biblical teachings and more in the authenticity they bring to their shared experiences. Whether it’s Avery’s journey with sobriety or Scott’s passion for food, they strive to connect with viewers on a personal level.
For now, the focus is on relaxation and rejuvenation.On monday, Avery shared his plans: “My wife and I will have a Starbucks date, take advantage of the free refills and read all day.” It sounds like a blissful respite from their busy lives.
What are Avery and Scott’s plans for the future?
Atlanta's Beloved Radio Duo, Avery and Scott, Reflect on Their Journey After “the Fish” Sign off
After 25 years of bringing laughter and warmth to Atlanta’s airwaves, Avery and Scott, the faces of “the fish” 104.7, bid farewell to their devoted listeners. While their final broadcast marked the end of an era, their journey is far from over. Recently, we had the opportunity to catch up with this dynamic duo and delve into their reflections on their legacy and future endeavors.
Archyde: Avery and Scott, thank you for taking the time to chat. The end of “The Fish” was a poignant moment for many in Atlanta. What has this transition been like for you both?
Avery: It’s been a whirlwind, to be honest.We’re incredibly grateful for the outpouring of love and support from our listeners. It truly was a family, and saying goodbye was bittersweet.
Scott: There’s definitely a sense of loss, but we’re also excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. We’ve learned so much over these past 25 years, and we’re eager to explore new avenues of connecting with people.
Archyde: “The Fish” was known for its genuine warmth and authenticity. what would you say was the key to cultivating such a strong bond with your listeners?
Avery: I think it came down to being ourselves. We shared our joys, our struggles, our everyday lives – the good, the bad, and the hilarious. People connected with that honesty.
Scott: And we created a space where people felt comfortable being themselves too. We always wanted “The Fish” to be a place listeners coudl escape to, where they could laugh, cry, and be heard.
Archyde: looking back, what are some of the most memorable moments that stand out for you?
Avery: I’ll never forget the time we organized a community car wash to benefit a local family in need. Seeing the outpouring of support from our listeners was incredible. It truly embodied the spirit of “The Fish.”
Scott: And I’ll always cherish the moments when listeners shared their heartfelt stories with us, their triumphs, and their struggles. Those are the moments that made it all worthwhile.
Archyde: As you move forward, what’s next for Avery and Scott?
Avery: We’re taking some time to recharge and enjoy each other’s company.We’re also exploring some new opportunities and keeping our options open. We believe our brand of laughter,warmth,and authenticity translates beyond the radio waves.
Scott: our core message – to spread joy, kindness, and connection – remains unchanged. We want to continue making a positive impact wherever we land.
Archyde: Thank you, Avery and Scott, for your time and for the countless moments of laughter and joy you’ve brought to Atlanta. What would you say to your listeners who are feeling the loss of “The Fish”?
Avery: We love you guys, and we’ll never forget you.
Scott: Stay true to yourselves, keep spreading kindness, and never stop believing in the power of love and laughter.
