Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamal Bates.
Hi Jamal, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started in radio as an intern at a local R&B radio station in Columbia SC. I spent seven years as the host of the Sunday morning gospel show that aired from 5 am – 11 am.
Although I enjoyed my time there, the goal at that time was to be on the only gospel radio station in the city – WFMV, the opportunity came and I started there in May 2011. My career at WFMV started on Saturday nights – I would host a weekly (Saturday) radio show from 6 pm-midnight. I did that for a year or two, then I received the opportunity to fill in for the full-timers during the week on holidays or when they took off.
In the 2013 (I believe), got the opportunity to become the local host of the nationally syndicated Yolanda Adams Morning Show, I did that for about two years. In 2015, I received another opportunity – I became the host of my own afternoon radio show on WFMV until my departure in 2020.
During my hiatus from WFMV, I got another radio opportunity out of state – Rhythm & Praise 94.7fm, where I still serve as Midday host from 10 am-2 pm Monday-Saturday.
Also, while away from WFMV – I launched a nationally syndicated morning show – The Jamal Bates Morning Show that is currently heard in Florence SC, Augusta GA, and Aiken SC, and just added Anderson SC & Jonesboro AR.
In 2021, I returned to WFMV as the afternoon radio host and it’s where I still currently serve along with my national morning show and midday show.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
As a believer in Christ – I will admit God has kept his word to me, the bible said your gift will make room for you and put you before great men and that’s been my experience. My gift has made room for me, yes, I would have loved to speed things up (lol), however, God knows what he’s doing. 🙂
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
National Radio Host Pastor – Greater Carolina Baptist Church
I’m most proud of my work ethic in radio – I’ve worked hard to get to where I am in my career and I’m just getting started.
What sets me apart from others is my ability not to give up. The word “no”, isn’t a period, it’s a comma on my journey. I keep going, keep trying.
Any big plans?
My plan is to continue to add more markets (cities) to my list of affiliates and maybe even one day open my own radio studio to broadcast out of.
Contact Info:
- Email: bicmediasc@gmail.com
- Website: www.thejamalbates.com
- Instagram: thejamalbates
- Facebook: thejamalbates
- Twitter: thejamalbates
Image Credits
The Jamal Bates morning show
Ashlei Stevens
Vernard Hines
Augusta GA
Donna Moore Wesby
Tony D
