Magic 93.7 celebrates 30 years on the air this year, as does local radio legend Walter Brown.
Brown is the beloved voice of the Mississippi Gulf Coast that everyone knows and loves. He is also the senior vice president of programming.
Magic 93.7 is a commercial radio station licensed to Biloxi, Mississippi, serving the Biloxi-Gulfport–Pascagoula radio market. The station is owned by iHeartMedia, Inc., and it broadcasts an adult contemporary radio format, switching to Christmas music for part of November and December.
A series of ownership changes and format flips ensued until 1994 when Starr Broadcasting bought WQID along with AM sister station WVMI and changed the FM station’s format to Mainstream AC as WMJY, Magic 93.7. The station has been a long-time ratings leader with adults along the Gulf Coast.
“In 1994, when 93.7 was purchased, there was a hole in the market for mainstream adult contemporary music, and we had the opportunity to fill that void. I came on as the program director in April of 1994 and also had the opportunity to do the morning show. Kelly Bennett joined the morning show in 1995, and we did that together for 20 years,” Brown shared. “During that time, we interviewed President Bill Clinton, covered 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, and so much more.”
Moving forward, Multi-Market Radio bought out Starr Broadcasting in 1994. Multi-Market Radio was acquired by Clear Channel Communications in 2001, and in 2014, Clear Channel changed its name to iHeartMedia, the current owner.
“Life is different, but I’m still here. Thank goodness! When we began Magic 93.7, I had a 9-year-old child who is now 39. Radio is what I always wanted to do, and I’ve been able to do it—it’s been a dream come true. And I couldn’t have done it without you, our loyal listeners. Your support and love have made this journey all the more special,” Brown expressed his heartfelt gratitude.
Of course, there have been changes over the years, but Brown is proud that the station continues to thrive.
“We’ve gone from CDs to everything being on the Cloud. The iHeart radio app is incredible and has broadened our audience tremendously, as listeners can listen on their phones and tablets. I have a friend who is a chef on a supply boat who listens to us on his phone in the middle of the Indian Ocean!”
Brown began his radio career in 1980, and shares that one of his biggest influences in life was Casey Kasem. “I listened to him every Saturday morning and wanted to be just like him.”
Magic 93.7, known as ‘South Mississippi’s Biggest Variety,’ is not just any radio station. It’s the best kind of time machine that takes you back to the 70s, 80s, 90s, and 2000s with its diverse music selection. This iHeart radio station plays a variety of adult contemporary music that appeals to all ages, making it a favorite among the local community and radio enthusiasts.
“Our listeners are my friends because I have been a part of this community for 44 years. We live 12 minutes from where I grew up. I have been blessed to be able to do this from my community on the Mississippi Gulf Coast through my entire career,” Brown shared.
Happy 30th Anniversary to Magic 93.7!
*Photos courtesy of Walter Brown
