Staff
Andrew Shearer
Andrew began his radio career in 1983 at his college radio station, Lock Haven University. His first commercial (paid!) radio job was at WBPZ in Lock Haven, PA starting in spring 1984.
He founded Royal Broadcasting in April 2000 with the intent of purchasing WZRV & WFTR. Andrew enjoys working with a committed staff of professionals who take things as seriously as he does when it comes to serving the market, but still enjoy the sillier side of life.
An avid runner, Andrew pairs his running shoes with a suit for every meeting.
Mike O’Dell
Mike has spent more than 35 years in the radio business. He started as a part-time DJ in his hometown of Beckley, West Virginia to earn a few extra dollars while going to college. His father is in the West Virginia Broadcasters’ Hall of Fame and it’s him that Mike credits for his getting into the business; though he says he tried to talk him out of it.
Mike served as the General Manager for Royal Broadcasting moving on a few years ago to a new career with Edward Jones. He also serves as emcee for the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival Sports Breakfast.
Kathy Willis
In 1988 Kathy was looking for a career change when a friend told her WFTR was hiring. She interviewed with Kemp Miller and the rest is history.
It’s usually Kathy’s voice you hear when you call the station. She answers your question, finds your phone numbers and takes your information for public service announcements. Her voice might be as well-known as those of our on-air personalities! She loves her job and her family of co-workers at Royal Broadcasting.
Married to her husband Lloyd, Kathy has 3 grown daughters and some beautiful grandbabies.
Randy Woodward
For as long as he can remember, Randy has wanted to be on the radio. He managed his college radio station (WQAB in Philippi, WV) and has been on-air since 1978 – coming to The River in February, 2000.
In addition to his on-air duties, Randy was an award-winning voice of local college football, doing play-by-play for almost 40 years. He also served for 10 years as co-anchor for the television broadcasts of the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival Grand Feature Parade.
When Randy isn’t on the air or working with clients to increase their business using radio, he enjoys he enjoys daily walks with his dogs, is an avid golfer, and loves spending time on the mountain with his wife, going to concerts with his son, and is a movie ‘geek’.
Scott Bradley
According to Scott: “I didn’t want to get busted for trespassing after finding the back door of the station wide open and no one around. After the owner then Charles Britt found me in the Bob Traister engineering area. I had to think fast and told him I…UH… was there to apply for a job. He asked me as what? I didn’t know at the time what else could be done at a radio station other than a disc jockey. He yelled that the guy who hires DJs Jim Lawrence isn’t available until after 5! I was told to come back at 5 and he slammed the door as I made my exit, wiping my brow and thanking God I wasn’t going to get busted.
I have thought about this over the years that if I had said I wanted to be a salesperson he would have ushered me in and had me working for very little for the rest of my life. “
Scott loves caves – the underground is his quiet place. He also enjoys being around animals.
Genesis Henry
Genesis started at the station in April 2020 but has always had a love of radio and all music from every decade. Helping people get through their day with The Mid Day Boost putting a smile on someone’s face with a familiar tune is something she considers an incredible blessing.
She’s part of a blended family of 4 children with her husband. She loves to spend her time surrounded by food, ice cold beer and a game on TV.
Janet Michael
After appearing for several years as a recurring guest on The Valley Today, Janet took over as it’s host in May 2016. In April 2020, she celebrated her 1000th consecutive episode and is working her way to the 2000th in 2023.
A self-proclaimed life-long student, Janet’s favorite thing about hosting the show is learning something new every single day from her guests. Her enthusiasm and curiosity make her a natural interviewer that immediately puts guests at ease making for an interesting and entertaining conversation.
Janet is married to Tim with one son, Josh that you will frequently hear her mention on the show.
Janet is also the owner of Java Media, a social media and marketing firm, with over 20 years’ experience developing successful marketing & advertising campaigns. Java Media provides social media training and workshops for small business owners as well as social media management, oversight & evaluation as well as podcast production.
Lonnie Hill
Lonnie began his radio career in August 1979. During a discussion with a high school classmate about their plans after graduation, his friend said he was going to college to learn how to be a DJ. Lonnie thought that might be fun and joined him. The classmate dropped out after the first year and joined the National Guard where he became a helicopter pilot but Lonnie stuck it out and became a pilot of the airwaves. He joined the team in 1984 & while he’s taken a few breaks since then, he’s been on board since 2004.
Lonnie enjoys being on the air, working in the production room on creative ads & meeting and talking to our listeners. Though he admits being on the air is sometimes difficult, especially during times of tragedy. “It’s hard to not let your emotions come out when you’re reporting on something where people have lost their lives or loved ones. It’s not easy keeping it together on the air and honestly, there are times when I can’t and just have to turn the mic off, say a prayer and regroup.”
Husband to Carrie and father of 3 boys: Mason, Evan and Levi; Lonnie enjoys making new stuff from old stuff, especially old pallets.
Kemp Miller
Kemp got his first job in radio when he was in high school in 1964. He worked weekends and summers through high school and college and went to work for WGH in Newport News/Norfolk a week after graduating from UVA in 1970 and “has been at it ever since.” He joined WFTR-AM/FM as General Manager in 1982 when Strauss Communications purchased the station and stayed with us through the purchase in 2000 by current owner, Andrew Shearer/Royal Broadcasting, leaving his daily duties in 2002.
Kemp began his “weather career” after completing 34 hours of courses at MSU in meteorology. He became our weatherman in 1988. His favorite thing about his work with us is that it keeps him involved with the station(s) and with weather science. When he’s not pouring over weather maps & radar, Kemp enjoys skiing, photography and doing voice work from his home studio and of course, hanging out with his wife Sally and their three children.
Ryan Rutherford
Ryan began his broadcasting career at his alma mater, James Madison University, where he provided play by play and color commentary for Division I baseball and men’s and women’s basketball. He got his first taste of radio on ESPN-WHBG where he provided reports on CAA athletics. He helped hone his on air skills while podcasting and additional opportunities with the Valley Baseball League’s Front Royal Cardinals and Winchester Royals.
Currently Ryan brings the Saturday morning news to our listeners on WZRV and WFTR. Ryan’s passion for local athletics enters the airwaves with broadcasts of Little League Baseball and high school athletics.
When he’s not in the booth, you can find him in the lawn at your favorite concert venue or watching too many sports in his man cave.
Samantha Higdon
With a passion for people and a natural strength in business acumen, Sam was drawn to the world of sales.
After a couple years in Pennsylvania, and a few more years in Maryland; Sam made her way back to the great state of Virginia, and the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. This is where she found her new home at The River 95.3. Sam enjoys the relationships she builds with her clients and has a special place in her heart for all of our locally owned businesses.
With a tendency to “get her geek on,” in her free time you are most likely to catch her attending the next gaming, anime or science-fiction related convention. Always up for a challenge, she enjoys playing and trying out new games with her husband and two sons.