Cumulus Media (NASDAQ: CMLS) announces that veteran broadcast journalist Gilbert Baez has joined WFNC News Talk (AM 640/103.5 HD2) in Fayetteville, NC, as On-Air Host of the popular morning show, “Good Morning Fayetteville.” Baez debuts on Monday, March 17th, and can be heard on WFNC Monday through Friday from 6:00am-9:00am. This marks a return to WFNC for Baez, who was heard on the station as Morning News Anchor from 2000-2001.
Baez, a trusted news reporter for Fayetteville’s WRAL-TV for a total of 16 years, will continue serving the station in addition to his morning radio role at WFNC. He also worked for 17 years as Fayetteville television news reporter and weather anchor for ABC affiliate, WTVD-TV, in Durham, NC.
Baez began his broadcasting career as a DJ on WDCV-FM, the Voice of Dickerson College in Carlisle, PA, and was later on-air at Fayetteville radio stations D-103 FM, Foxy 99 (WZFX-FM), and WCCG 104.5. He was also Adjunct Professor of Communications at Campbell University in Buies Creek, NC. Baez has served his country as a Ranger Qualified Combat Communications Officer for the U.S. Army, stationed at Fort Bragg. He holds a B.A. degree in English with special emphasis in Radio & Television Broadcasting from Central State University in Wilberforce, OH.
Tish Boden, Vice President/Market Manager, Cumulus Fayetteville, said: “Team Cumulus Fayetteville is excited to have Gilbert Baez join our team as the new host for Good Morning Fayetteville on WFNC News Talk. When you say the name Gilbert Baez in the market it is synonymous with news. I look forward to Gilbert’s success on Good Morning Fayetteville.”
Kelvin Culbreth, Program Director, WFNC News Talk, noted: “We’re excited to bring on as host of Good Morning Fayetteville an experienced news professional like Gilbert Baez, who will maintain the commitment to community established for 12 years with Jeff “Goldy” Goldberg. Baez brings a deep desire to report the news and a true sense of devotion to Fayetteville, Fort Bragg, and Cumberland County. He’ll bring his wealth of knowledge about our area and his vast cache of connections. We have heard, “Everyone knows Gilbert and Gilbert knows everyone.” He is the perfect host to carry GMF into the future.”
Gilbert Baez commented: “I started my broadcast career in Pennsylvania on the radio in 1973. Since then, I’ve worked on several radio stations in Ohio and here in Fayetteville, and I’m no stranger to WFNC radio. I worked on the morning show with Jeff Thompson and Wendy Riddle about 20 years ago. It’s great to come back home to Cumulus Media and WFNC!”
