Signing off after 53 years: WMCH icon retires from radio (July 6/7, 2013)
CHURCH HILL — With her Bible in-hand and microphone at eye-level, Bettye Russell signed onto her radio show for the final time last Friday morning at WMCH 1260 AM in Church Hill. Following a 53-year career in the industry she decided to retire as the station, founded by her father in May 1954, prepares for its 60th year. “I could’ve hung on for the 60th anniversary, but you know when it’s time,” she said. “I got my assurance from the Lord, and I’m not a spring chicken anymore,” she added with a laugh. Bettye was 19 years old when her dad, the late Thales Wallace, started WMCH and it was a family-owned business until 1999 when it was sold. “After a period, there was a place for me to come back so I did and I’ve been here ever since,” she said. Hawkins County’s oldest radio station, WMCH first entered the airwaves as an easy listening station lo...