Story Published:
Jul 17, 2010 at 7:17 AM CST
Story Updated:
Jul 19, 2010 at 6:20 PM CST
In a recent exclusive interview with Gator Harrison, Cookeville Times’ Dillon James got the inside scoop on what Gator's move to the Chattanooga Clear Channel Radio Group is all about.
In response to Dillon’s question about whether or not the rumors of Gator leaving are true, Gator responded that they’re partially true.
Gator: “How can you leave your home or your family or friends you’ve known your entire life? …. A piece of me will always be here…but I have accepted a job in Chattanooga as the operations manager of Clear Channel Chattanooga so I’ll be over 4 radio stations… so, yes, my family is moving, but no, I’m never leaving.”
Dillon: “So are you doing the same thing there as you’re doing around here? Are you going to be on the air any?”
Gator: “You know eventually, I’ll be on the air, there—initially, it’s just kind of getting used to a new city…all new co-workers and managing the four great radio stations.”
(Gator then goes in-depth on the stations in Chattanooga he’ll be over which is included on the video).
Dillon: “So what prompted you to leave this station (Country Gian) and further your career in Chattanooga?”
Gator: “For me, it’s never been about career or cash… for me it’s all been about God’s will… I compare it to Jonah…God called him to Tarshish, and he went the other way because he wanted to be comfortable…
…And you know, these guys (Chattanooga Clear Channel) called me a couple of years back and asked me to take this job… and I didn’t take it then because I wanted to be ‘comfortable.’ It was all about me and what I wanted…”
Dillon: “So what has surprised you about your career here in Cookeville and the other radio stations (you’ve worked for)?”
Gator: “The fact that people embrace you… I’ve grown up here my whole life… and the people that have raised me and continue to raise me in this area… just the feeling of family you get from the listeners...that’s something that I’ll always take with me.”
Dillon: “What’s some of the feedback you’re getting (about this move)?”
Gator: “You know, everybody is so encouraging and so supportive; I mean, are you going to argue with God?... at the same time they’ve all said, ‘You know, we’re going to miss you and mornings are not going to be the same…
You know we’ve been getting up together for almost 15 years—so it’s going to be a big change for all of us…”
Dillon: “With all the awards you’ve won, what achievement pleases you most here?”
Gator: “Ahh… the family… the people that I work with; the people that I get to hang out with on the radio, and drink coffee and play country.
I mean, awards are great—who doesn’t like a good back pat every once in a while…
But it’s your family and friends, and listeners who get you through the difficult times every once in a while.
Dillon: “What are some the community things you’ve been involved with over the past 15 years?”
Gator: “Ohh…. Everything. I don’t care whether it’s Susan G Komen, or St. Judes, or a bean supper, if they ask me and I have the night free, then I want to do it.
And that’s the great thing that we all have here at the Country Giant with these guys. This is their home town and their community. And when it’s your home town, how can you not help?
Styck man, Big Stew, Phil—they’ll always be here for whatever charity calls.
Dillon: “What do you want to say to the Upper Cumberland, your fans and listeners, as you’re leaving here?”
Gator: “Whether it’s facebook, or twitter, or me at the WalMart on weekends or in town to visit family and friends, what I want to leave you with is that I’m not leaving you. I never will leave you. You’ll always have my heart, and I’ll always be thinking of you and praying for you guys as well….”
…so… not goodbye…just until I see you again..."
