By Joe Johnson
Longtime Athens radio station WGAU host and journalist Tim Bryant was recently laid off by the station’s owner, Cox Media Group.
Cox has not officially announced the move, but Bryant on Tuesday privately informed friends and colleagues and news quickly spread on social media.
On Wednesday the veteran newsman posted a short video on the Facebook page of a friend, Matt Chastain, in which he said that he wanted to dispell any rumors surrounding his departure.
“What happened to me is frankly just a corporate matter that doesn’t involve any hostility, no hard feelings,” Bryant said. “I’m not at odds with anybody, nobody is at odds with me. I have not been mistreated in any way. In fact I have been treated with utmost respect and courtesy by the people who until a few days ago were my employers.”
Bryant said he was now focused on moving forward.
“For a lot of years I have been the least important part of your day and you have been the most important part of mine, and I don’t believe for a moment that time is at an end,” he said. “We are going to look at other options, we’re going to be doing different things, and you’ll be hearing from me again soon.”
Bryant was host of WGAU’s daily morning show “Classic City Today,”’ which focused primarily on local news in Athens, covering a range of topics that included government and politics, sports, crime, and community events.
In 2020 Bryant was honored as a Georgia Radio Hall of Fame Career Achievement Inductee. With his 30 years in radio, Bryant was only the seventh broadcaster to receive the honor.
“The name Tim Bryant is synonymous with WGAU and Athens, as his has been a steady and trusted voice on Athens’ radio station of record for a quarter of its more than 80-year history,” Cox Media Group Athens station director Kelsey Gresham said at the time.
Along with hosting duties, Bryant served as news director for Cox Media Group Athens’ six-station cluster. He also worked as anchor and reporter for Cox’s WSB Radio in Atlanta.
He is the only reason I listened to this radio station also.
Oh well, now to 95.5 FM or 750 AM (WSB).
Farewell Tim Bryant, you were fantastic for me.
J. Reese
Winterville, GA
He is the only reason that I listened to this radio station. Emphasized listened, not going to tune in any longer. That means I will not be listening to your advertisement anymore as well. Change that dial on the radio. "Alexa discontinue this radio station". Best of luck Mr. Bryant I guess you have to much integrity for Cox to handle.
That is a bummer. Don’t understand.