It’s been more than 30 years since Baron Wiley received his first big break in the world of broadcasting, an industry that has occupied his time since – and as such, recently landed him in the San Antonio Radio Hall of Fame.
From humble beginnings in Lytle, Texas, through the call letters of a half-dozen San Antonio station, under the tutelage of radio legend Sonny Melendrez, to a home right here in Boerne, Wiley is thankful for the help, guidance, support and applause he’s received along the way.
“Every job and experience along the way has led me to this moment and we’re making a difference in the community with Boerne Radio 103.9 FM, where our statement is ‘I Love Boerne… and I love Boerne Radio,’” Wiley said.
Wiley joined the San Antonio Radio Hall of Fame’s Class of 2013 at the Aug. 13 induction ceremony, which included Jay Howard (Spurs game announcer on WOIA), Michael Main (WOAI), Katrina Curtiss (Magic 105.3FM), Johnny Rock (KONO), Norma Mendez (COX), Mark Landis (Voice of KSAT 12), Mico Rodriquez, and Leroy Sha Na Na.
Wiley began his radio career as a volunteer DJ at KXPZ, Z91FM, in Lytle in 1991.
“Every Saturday morning for four years I’d drive south for 45 minutes, turn left at the first of two cattle guard gates to the transmitter shack, turn on the transmitter, let it warm up for an hour, and sign on to do my little Christian Rock Show,” Wiley said.
Wiley signed up for classes at UTSA and transferred to San Antonio College, where he took the morning slot at KSYM. Word filtered down that San Antonio radio legend Sonny Melendrez was looking for an assistant – Wiley landed the job, dropped out, and never looked back.
“I learned more in four years with Sonny, that I should have an honorary degree in Broadcasting Excellence with a minor in kindness and class,” Wiley said.
Highlights of his time with Melendrez include: sitting on the front row for the Rolling Stones in the Alamodome in his first week on the job; flying first class with Melendrez to a speaking gig; and standing backstage at the grand opening of Planet Hollywood in downtown San Antonio.
Wiley was recruited away for another firm. But after that three-year stint, Wiley found his way in with Melendrez again, hired by Salem Media Group to be Sonny’s producer and do sales at KLUP.
He spent 17 years there, moving up the ladder to become the operations manager/ program director after six months, then moved over to do mornings on KSLR for eight years.
In 2019, Wiley was recruited to run the media department for a new nonprofit in Boerne. “I placed our radio show on three, including KBRN Boerne Radio,” Wiley said, “and then COVID hit. It killed our nonprofit.”
The owner of Boerne Radio asked Wiley if he would run the station, “and I said only if I could buy from him when he was done.”
Owner George Chambers was planning to retire soon and agreed to Wiley’s request.
Unfortunately, owner George Chambers passed away in February 2022, but Wiley fell right in line to be the next Boerne Radio owner.
“I bought Boerne Radio (KBRN) on Feb. 25, 2022,” Wiley said. “Another year and six months, and I’m living the dream in Boerne, Texas.”
In January 2023 Wiley said Boerne Radio won “Business Of the Year” from the Greater Boerne Chamber of Commerce “and we’re just getting started.”
Comment
Comments