Big D and Bubba
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| The Big D and Bubba Show | |
| Genre | Comedy, Country Music |
|---|---|
| Running time | 4 hours (approximately) |
| Country |  United States |
| Home station | WSIX |
| Starring | Big D and Bubba |
| Writers | Big D and Bubba, Patrick Thomas |
| Producers | Patrick Thomas |
| Air dates | December 1996 to Present |
| Website bigdandbubba.com |
|
The Big D and Bubba Show is a nationally syndicated radio show airing daily on over 40 FM radio stations. The show is syndicated by Premiere Radio Networks.
Contents |
[edit] Early beginnings and self-syndication
Big D and Bubba first teamed up in December 1996 on WXCT-FM in Baton Rouge, LA. The show gained enough success to garner the attention of cross-town rival WYNK-FM. In February 1999, Big D and Bubba signed a deal with AMFM Broadcasting (then owner of WYNK) to do mornings on WYNK and have the ability to syndicate the show. No country morning show had ever been successful in a nationally-syndicated format for an extended period of time, so this was not considered viable at the time. Soon after their debut on WYNK, AMFM Broadcasting was purchased by Clear Channel Communications.
In August of 1999, Big D and Bubba hired Patrick Thomas away from sister station WFMF-FM to produce their morning show. He was brought on board in anticipation of future syndication opportunities and is still with the show to this day.
On December 6, 1999, Big D and Bubba were first heard on KMML-FM in Amarillo, TX. This marked the beginning of syndication. Big D and Bubba can still be heard in Amarillo today, although they are now on KMML sister station, KATP-FM.
KMAG-FM in Fort Smith, AR was the show's third affiliate and has carried the show longer than any other station (except for original flagship, WYNK).
The show grew slowly but steadily while fighting the widely held belief that a syndicated country morning show simply would not work. They also had to convince the industry that a show based in a medium-sized radio market (Baton Rouge) could be successful. By the summer of 2003, The Big D and Bubba show was heard on 14 radio stations (more than any other country morning show).
[edit] Move to Nashville and Premiere Radio Networks
Big D and Bubba could not pass up the opportunity to base their show in the center of its musical format. So, when WSIX-FM offered them a state-of-the-art studio and the chance to broadcast from music row, they moved the show to Nashville, TN.
In September 2005, Big D and Bubba signed a syndication deal with Premiere Radio Networks. With over 40 affiliates, they have proven that syndicated morning show can work in the country music format. They have succeeded through a combination of compelling content and local customization.
[edit] Awards and Recognition
- 2006 Radio and Records Magazine Country Personalities of the Year
- 2007 Academy of Country Music National Personalities of the Year (presented in 2008)
- Nominated for Country Music Association National Personalities of the Year in 2002 and 2007
