Who's Who at WONN

Alex Houston

Alex joined WONN from sister station WSLC in Clermont in 1963 and worked the morning show from 5:30 until 9. Later, he moved to afternoon drive, picked up the moniker “The Big A” and became program director.

In 1965 and 1966, he coordinated efforts with promoter A.J. Perry to bring in top recording stars for WONN’s Star Spectaculars at the Lakeland Civic Center. Encouraged by management to become more involved in the community, he became active in the Lakeland Sertoma Club and the Jaycees, serving two terms on its Board of Directors.

In 1967 Alex moved to cross-town rival WLAK as an account executive, while keeping an on-air presence in afternoon drive. He was there a little over a year before leaving the area and heading back to Atlanta, his hometown, to become operations manager for WGKA AM & FM.

Eventually becoming dissatisfied with radio, his plans were to get out of the business. However, a chance meeting in 1969 with Paul Reynolds, a news anchor from Atlanta’s WQXI-TV, changed everything. Reynolds, who had worked in Tampa Bay radio and television in the 1940’s, 50’s and 60’s, told him that his station was looking for a booth announcer and that he should look into it.

Alex followed his advice and auditioned for the position. Not only did he get it, but doors opened up for him to host the “Dialing for Dollars Movie,” do commercials, and be the Sunday night weatherman on the local news.

By 1973, he was bored again with the broadcast business and left it for good this time. For the next fifteen years, he worked in outdoor advertising as an account executive and consultant and then ventured into real estate in 1988.

Alex retired at the end of 2002 and passed away on July 13, 2006.

Station History