Bubba On the Lake

Episode #31: "WLJS 92J… 50 Years in the Making!"

Date: September 25, 2025
Host: Bill "Bubba" Bussey
Guests: Mike Sandiford (WLJS founder), Roger Allen (alumni), Steve Malcolm (alumni)

Overview

This special episode of Bubba on the Lake celebrates the 50th anniversary of WLJS 92J, the college radio station at Jacksonville State University (JSU). As the anniversary approaches, Bubba reflects on the station’s enduring impact—both personally and professionally—by sharing stories from his own journey, conversing with the founder and fellow alumni, and highlighting the station’s pivotal role in launching countless broadcasting careers. The tone is nostalgic, warm, and packed with anecdotes from decades of radio history.

Main Discussion Points & Insights

Bubba’s Early Days at 92J

[01:09–13:04]

• Bubba opens with a personal trip down memory lane, explaining how WLJS 92J became his “radio home,” igniting his passion for broadcasting.
• He was introduced to the station by Greg Warren, a high school friend, who allowed Bubba to shadow his shifts.
• Legally, Bubba couldn’t go on-air until he was enrolled in college, so he became a behind-the-scenes helper, “the right-hand man.”
• His persistence led him to pursue college classes early, eventually qualifying for on-air work after submitting an “air check” audition tape.
• First Shift Story: Bubba’s first on-air shift was a coveted (or avoided) 2am–6am slot during Christmas break, which he described as “the greatest thing on earth.”
• The station operated like a commercial outfit, complete with a format clock, hot/current/gold song rotations, and tight programming.
• Bubba describes being pulled off air for having "too Southern" an accent—initially hurtful, but he took the opportunity to learn programming, promotion, and engineering, working closely with Major Turner, the station's technical lead.
• His journey through broadcasting included radio DJ spots, engineering gigs, and—eventually—the partnership with Rick Burgess that spawned The Rick & Bubba Show.

"You see something and you know it's right for you. Kind of like love at first sight, I guess."
— Bubba Bussey [12:08]

Significance of 92J

• WLJS became a launching pad: “At one time you could not flip around on a Birmingham radio station in the morning and not hear a 92J graduate.”
• The station's 50th anniversary will include on-site events, a reunion, and broadcasting of the first-ever hour of programming.

Interview with Mike Sandiford: The Founder

[15:00–35:51]

How 92J Was Born

[15:21–23:00]

• Mike Sandiford recalls JSU’s lack of a campus station in 1970. Inspired by other universities, he proposed creating one, becoming SGA Business Manager and spearheading the campaign.
• He navigated FCC bureaucracy “through snail mail and dial phones,” enduring several rejections before personally hand-delivering corrected paperwork to the FCC’s Atlanta office.
• The construction permit’s arrival triggered a scramble to build studios, often by begging local stations for old gear—a beacon light from a dismantled tower and other scavenged equipment were highlights.

“We love Jacksonville State or We love Jack State.”
— Mike, on choosing call letters WLJS [21:33]

The Early Days & Going Live

[24:08–29:21]

• Construction occurred under Major Turner’s supervision. Mike, already juggling school, two jobs, and a crime-fighting gig as a deputy, dove into building studios and antenna installation—without modern safety protocols.

• The first official words on air at 2:30am:

  “Damn, it works.”
  — Mike Sandiford [26:56]

• The grand opening was September 29, 1975, at noon. Dignitaries packed the tiny studio; Dr. Stone, then-university president, made opening remarks. The first song played: “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin.

“Dr. Stone was like, how long is this song? I want to get back behind the radio. The microphone.”
— Mike Sandiford on the inaugural broadcast [29:21]

• Programming at first was ad-hoc—DJs brought their own records, and requests came in from an eager local audience.

Growth & Legacy

[32:39–35:07]

• The station gradually grew to 24/7 status, enabling more student participation and technical innovation.
• Mike is still a “radio geek” in Guntersville at age 73, proud of WLJS’s evolution and of “hundreds of students” who began their careers there.
• Fundraising is underway: “50k for 50 years” aims to update legacy equipment—much of which Mike originally installed.

“There’s been a lot of great people come through the station and go on to have broadcasting careers.”
— Mike Sandiford [34:19]

Alumni Reflections

Roger Allen

[37:23–48:53]

• Began broadcasting at age 15 thanks to Alan Rhodes, running boards and learning “by doing” at 92J.
• First paying programming gig came just two years later, thanks to his campus experience.
• Today, Roger is a multi-station personality and production talent, broadcasting from his own home studio—a post-2008 pivot enabled by technological advances and a $10,000 gift from a family friend.
• Roger shares memories of the station’s move from Bibb Graves Hall to Self Hall (including a torrential climb to move the micro-link antenna).
• Classic radio practical jokes, like the time a kitten appeared on the soundboard mid-shift, reflect the station’s camaraderie and light-hearted spirit.

“And you do all that now from your studio in…”
— Bubba
“Well, I’m just outside of Fort Payne.”
— Roger Allen [40:32]

“There wouldn’t be a me on the radio today if it wouldn’t been for 92 J WLJS Jacksonville.”
— Roger Allen [48:44]

Steve Malcolm

[51:03–61:13]

• Like others, Steve’s love for radio began in high school. After cutting his teeth on AM radio, he joined 92J at JSU.
• The early station had few resources—a minor in communications tech was all that was offered at the time—but the experience led directly to jobs at Q104 in Gadsden and other regional stops.
• Steve returned to radio after “retirement,” now doing afternoon drive on 117 The Torch, and is an affiliate for Tailgate Tailgate Show.
• Steve raves about the alumni reunion—over 100 early station grads reuniting—and the enduring friendships and professional networks forged at 92J and Q104.

“Radio is just still fun. That’s what I’m just going to say.”
— Steve Malcolm [60:44]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [01:09–13:04] Bubba’s journey: 92J origin story, first shift, career trajectory
• [15:00–35:51] Interview with Mike Sandiford: station creation, FCC hurdles, build-out, first broadcast, legacy
• [37:23–48:53] Roger Allen: career beginnings, technological evolution, station move, alumni mischief
• [51:03–61:13] Steve Malcolm: path from high school radio, Q104 days, current career, alumni reunion

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Bubba Bussey:

  “You see something and you know it’s right for you. Kind of like love at first sight, I guess.” [12:08]

• Mike Sandiford:

  “Damn, it works.” — first words broadcast on WLJS [26:56]
  “We love Jacksonville State or We love Jack State.” — on the meaning of WLJS [21:33]

• Roger Allen:

  “There wouldn’t be a me on the radio today if it wouldn’t been for 92 J WLJS Jacksonville.” [48:44]

• Steve Malcolm:

  “Radio is just still fun. That’s what I’m just going to say.” [60:44]

The Legacy of 92J

WLJS 92J stands as a testament to grassroots radio’s power as a launchpad for generations of broadcasters, engineers, and lifelong friends. The station’s humble, improvised beginnings—scrounging for equipment, running on ten watts, and learning every corner of the trade—created a spirit of collaboration and innovation that persists today.

The episode wraps with hope for the future, as alumni rally for new equipment and continue to support new generations. Bubba, Mike, Roger, and Steve typify the passion and fellowship that defined 92J—proof that a small station with heart can leave a mighty mark.

For More Info

• WLJS 92J Anniversary Event info: September 29, 2025
• Fundraising for station equipment: “50k for 50 years”
• Listen to WLJS online and check out Bubba on the Lake and the Tailgate Tailgate Show for more stories and fun.