WDUN AM/FM is returning to its roots later this year when it relocates its broadcast studios to the first floor of the Gainesville Renaissance building, just steps from where the legendary radio station began 75 years ago.
WDUN’s parent company, Jacobs Media, has signed a letter of intent to occupy space in Renaissance building. In Spring 2024, the station’s live broadcasts will originate in the new studios. Those shows include “Mornings on Maine Street,” “The Martha Zoller Show,” “Drive at 5,” “Home Matters” and “Home Grown.”
“Our company has a history of being first – first with radio and news in North Georgia and first with innovation, having gone online with our news website AccessWDUN.com in the year 2000.” John W. (Jay) Jacobs III said. “Celebrating our 75th anniversary in such a momentous way renews WDUN’s dedication to what has always been our purpose: delivering news, information, and entertainment to generations of North Georgians. Going back to our roots assures a true renaissance for WDUN, a way to position our airwaves and news channels for a new century."
Starting Spring 2024, WDUN’s daily broadcasts will be “Live from the Renaissance Square” and listeners will be able to witness live radio shows through our window on the square. A “From the Street” feature will be brought back to include sidewalk citizens in our reporting, shows, and news features. Interviews will include regular features with city and county officials, area schools and sports, and a recommitment of news.
Plans also are forming for podcasters to rent studio space and have production quality sound while being on display for all to see at the Gainesville Renaissance.
“In my 42 years with WDUN Showmanship, this is by far the most exciting change that our company has undertaken.” Bill Maine, executive vice president and general manager, said. “Our staff is beyond excited to make this move. ‘Mornings on Maine Street’ will start your day with a cup of Boarding Pass Coffee while watching the square ‘wake up.’” We are all excited to interact with listeners face to face, bringing radio to them in a way no-one else does. WDUN is the station to do that.”
“For me, this is a very emotional move,” Jacobs said. “We will be the third generation of my family working on the square and watching this community grow and prosper from the best vantage point in the county, the Gainesville Renaissance."
John W. Jacobs, Sr., owned and operated the Imperial Pharmacy at the corner of Washington & Bradford streets. And John W. Jacobs, Jr.’s leadership engagement in the community is historic. After returning home from World War II, he launched WDUN, first going live on April 2, 1949, from a building just a few steps from the Gainesville Renaissance in what is now the Brenau University Downtown Center parking deck.
M. Douglas Ivester, owner of the Gainesville Renaissance building, said WDUN’s move to the building completes the lineup of retail and office space.
“A true renaissance is in the making and all of Gainesville/Hall County will benefit,” he said. “The addition of the Jacobs Media broadcast capabilities is the Icing on this Renaissance Cake.”
Ivester said the building will soon be offering a limited number of high-end residences on the third floor of the building.
WDUN AM 550 and WDUN FM 102.9 are divisions of Jacobs Media, a family-owned media company based in Gainesville, Georgia. Jacobs Media also owns 94.5FM The Lake and AccessWDUN.com, North Georgia’s most-read website for local news.
