Jerry Rushin: WEDR 99 JAMZ & HOT105 GM - Shomari Stone Reports (2008)

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Shomari Stone Reports on Living Legend Jerry Rushin (2008) Jerry Rushin is dedicated to the preservation of Black music. He furthers these efforts with his executive positions at WEDR-FM, WRBD-AM and HOT 105. Jerry was bon in Georgia and reared in Ft Lauderdale, Florida He returned from the Army to resume his high school job at a furniture store. He was passed by for promotions because the senior management did not believe the other workers would take orders from a Black man. Jerry then decided to change career paths, following in his brother's footsteps, by going to broadcast school. After finishing school, he landed a job at WEDR-FM as a part-time announcer. Rushin knew from his previous experience that he had to be better than good because of his color. He gained more responsibilities with full time positions as R&B; Announcer, Program Director, and in 1980, he became Vice President/General Manager. While many radio professionals were moving from station to station, Jerry took the time to invest in WEDR. He brought the station from 16,000 watts in the "70's to its current 100,000 watts. He credits his mentor and broadcasting school instructor Bob Gaynor, in helping him make productive career choices. The secret to success for Jerry has been his ability to look at the long range picture. He was more concerned with making good career moves than finding a job. He credits WEDR's success to being faithful to the Black format Rushin believes in Black people and their causes. He helps by being involved in the rebuilding of the Black community. He is also involved in the rebuilding of WRBD-AM, the station he purchased in a joint venture with James Thomas and WEDR. They picked up the troubled station and are committed to turning it around The two ventures (WEDR-AM and WRBD-FM) work together. While a lot of effort is being put into WRBD, WEDR continues to be the gem that must be protected. For the past four years they've maintained their position as Number 1 and a lot of time and effort goes into keeping it that way. Jerry recently received the Excalibur Award from the Family Christian Association of America. Rushin lives in North Miami where he is involved in community activities. He has three daughters, one of whom works as an assistant at the radio station. (Source: The Living Legends Foundation)