Know Your Neighbor: High Country Radio
High Country Radio continues to build momentum across the region following its recognition as the Boone Area Chamber’s 2025 Small Business of the Year. After building a new studio facility with state of the art equipment, HCR is expanding programming, adding new talent, developing strategic partnerships, and continued investment in local business growth, the company is entering an exciting new chapter in community broadcasting.
Morning Show Updates
Listeners across the region are hearing fresh new energy on the airwaves with updates to several flagship morning shows:
Classic Hits 99.1 & 100.7 welcomes veteran broadcaster Paul Foster to mornings, bringing a blend of familiar favorites, upbeat conversation, local happenings, and feel-good energy to the start of the workday. Listeners can also join in on the fun with features like “Double Play Thursday,” and “Daily Theme Songs”, spotlighting back-to-back hits from iconic artists and creating a nostalgic, interactive experience for Classic Hits fans across the region.
Paul also serves as the News Director for High Country Radio, providing timely and relevant local news coverage for the High Country community. Community members, businesses and regional organizations are encouraged to send press releases and news material directly to Paul at pfoster@curtismedia.com.
Pulse Boone 95.3 & 107.5 launches Aidan in the A.M. with Aidan Riley, introducing a fresh and modern morning show designed to connect with the next generation of High Country listeners. Listen live for chances to win tickets to see your favorite new recording artists.
WATA 1450 & 96.5 continues its 75 years of trusted local talk radio tradition with Mark Norris leading mornings with community-focused conversation, news, and information. This is the station to listen to for updates on non-profits, Watauga County education and sports, local government and community resources, along with a big helping of fun in the mornings.
Highway 106.1 & 102.3 Beginning in January, area radio legend Bill Fisher returned to the airwaves to host the morning show “The Morning Ride with Fish on the Highway”. Tune in for today’s new country, and the best of the throwbacks.
New Radio Shows on WATA
Under the leadership of General Manager Erica Lackey, High Country Radio has also expanded its commitment to meaningful community partnerships. One of the newest collaborations includes a partnership with UNC Health Appalachian through the “Making Life Better” broadcast, hosted by Paul Foster, featuring regional doctors from the UNC Health Appalachian network, spotlighting health, wellness, and resources that support residents throughout the region.
Erica, along with Promotions Director, Aidan Riley, worked with Dr. Twange Kasoma and App State’s Senior Digital Journalism class to present “Campus of Connection” – a broadcast focused on ways that App State contributes to the culture of the High Country through service initiatives.
Listen to these broadcasts live on air or online anytime at: www.goblueridge.net
Sales Team Growth
The company has also expanded its marketing and business development team with the addition of Mattison Felker to the sales department, along with veteran sales lead, Natalie Jones; further strengthening High Country Radio’s ability to create customized advertising and promotional opportunities for local businesses.
With multiple radio brands, digital platforms, live local personalities, and deep community roots, High Country Radio remains focused on helping area businesses grow while delivering the local connection listeners value every day.
Local Heart. Local Voices. Local Impact. Local Partnerships. Regional Reach.
To learn more about radio and digital advertising, sponsorships, partnerships, or programming opportunities with High Country Radio, contact the team today.
CONTACT:
General Manager, Erica Lackey : elackey@curtismedia.com
Operations Director, Mark Norris : mnorris@curtismedia.com
News & Programming Director, Paul Foster : pfoster@curtismedia.com
Promotions Director, Aidan Riley : ariley@curtismedia.com
Account Executive, Natalie Jones : njones@curtismedia.com
Account Executive, Mattison Felker : mfelker@curtismedia.com
