“HEY, IT’S Kenny B, live from the Bowling Green Bypass. Thanks for starting your day in our neighborhood,” echoes a phrase that has become a staple for locals dialing into WGGC’s vibrant morning show on their way to work, where Kenny B and Sadie fill the airwaves from 6-10 a.m. on weekdays. Kenny’s voice, more than just a well-known sound in the community, radiates with positivity, ready to infuse every listener’s day with an uplifting energy and community spirit that sets the tone for their day.
Kenny Beckman, the youngest program director and on-air host in the Bowling Green area, has become synonymous with heartfelt broadcasting and genuine community engagement. Married to Morgan Hoover, the nightly news anchor at News 40, Kenny’s life is deeply intertwined with the community, both professionally and personally. With a bustling household that includes two young children under 2, the Beckmans are a constant presence at local events and sports games, embodying the community spirit they advocate for on-air. Kenny’s journey at WGGC, which began three years ago, has been marked by a strong dedication to leveraging the power of live and local radio for the greater good.
Kenny’s day-to-day responsibilities are steeped in the mission to keep the community connected, informed, and entertained while fostering a sense of local pride and togetherness.
At the heart of Kenny’s day is a dedication to “local, local, local” content.
He explained, “We’re that local presence of a country show. We are doing our live and local morning show, updating people on local events and things to bring the whole family out to.”
This approach has resonated deeply with listeners, drawing them closer to the station and, by extension, to each other. Kenny’s mission goes beyond entertainment; it’s about building a community network that supports and uplifts its members.
Kenny’s philosophy reaches into every aspect of WGGC’s programming and community involvement.
“Being a presence in the community is our number one thing,” he said with pride. “Showing up to events and letting people know we’re here to serve them is what it is all about,” Kenny stated, highlighting the station’s commitment to being more than just a voice on the radio.
This mission is evident in segments like the Neighborhood Watch in the morning and partnerships with local businesses and nonprofits to spotlight community initiatives.
The community’s response to Kenny’s efforts has been overwhelmingly positive.
“It’s totally well received,” Kenny shared. “We hear all the time the feedback of not only community leaders like our people working in politics here but people who are ahead of local nonprofits, such as Relay for Life and United Way,” Kenny said.
This feedback underscores the significant role WGGC plays in fostering community spirit and involvement, a mission near and dear to Kenny.
One of Kenny’s proudest achievements is the station’s ability to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. He recounts a particularly touching story: “We found a kid in need whose story touched us. He actually just lost his legs and later found out that Jelly Roll’s music carried him through his hospital visits [and] through a very depressing time. We were able to hook him up with tickets and the experience to go see Jelly Roll.” That is what Kenny loves about his job and his role as an on-air personality in this community. This story showcases local radio’s power to entertain and profoundly impact lives.
Kenny’s vision for WGGC is one of continued community engagement, support, and positivity. “We wanna make sure people know we’re here to serve,” he said proudly. “They can hop on with us as that live and local morning show.” Through his leadership, WGGC has achieved high ratings and has become an integral part of the Bowling Green community’s fabric.
Kenny Beckman’s impact on Bowling Green goes beyond his role at WGGC. Through his dedication to local content, community involvement, and positive storytelling, he has helped create a more connected, informed, and supportive community. His work serves as a powerful reminder of the role local media can play in enriching the lives of its audience and the importance of giving back to the community that supports it. GN
