WSB Radio History

One of the most famous names in radio broadcasting, Reinsch was called on by Governor Cox in 1939 to manage WSB.  He eventually became president and CEO of Cox Broadcasting Corporation.  In March 1973, Reinsch was presented the coveted Gold Medal award from the International Radio and Television Society.   In September 2003 the Library of American Broadcasting named Reinsch as one of the "First Fifty Giants of Broadcasting".   He also served as a key advisor to Presidents Franklin Roosevelt and Harry Truman.  In 1960, he arranged for the now historic TV debates between Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy. 

Paschall worked at the Atlanta Journal and was the first man Major John Cohen talked to about the possibility of starting a radio station.  Paschall enthusiastically endorsed the idea saying the paper should “put in a station at the earliest moment”.  (Account from the book WELCOME SOUTH BROTHER.)

Featured actress  in the locally produced dramatic program Symphony of Life.

Charles and Lessie  Smithgall have a cherished role in the history of WSB Radio and broadcasting in the Southeast.  Charles Smithgall was the administrative assistant to Lambdin Kay from 1936 to 1940.  He would later strike out on his own as founder of many radio stations and newspapers in Georgia and the southeast.  Lessie Smithgall was the continuity director for WSB and played a key role in helping to establish what are now called the Peabody Awards.  
"Mr. Kay called me into his office during a coffee break," (in 1938) says Lessie Smithgall, "and asked if there was a foundation at Georgia, my alma mater, where we could get help in establishing these awards. Well, Mr. Drewry was my mentor and a good friend at the university, and I suggested him to Mr. Kay."  John Drewry was dean of the School of Journalism at UGA. Kay called him--and together they founded the Peabody Awards.  (Information and quotes  from the University of Georgia)

Lou was one of five men who formed the core of announcers at WSB in the decade of the '30s.   He was also director of the "Sunset Club" on WSB Radio in the 1930's.