Christie Bell

Gorgeous, gorgeous gorgeous! From sales to station manager in just four years, Withers Broadcasting's Christie Bell, 39, knows how to rock the airwaves — and melt our hearts!

Christie Bell, you are cute, cute, cute, no doubt about it! Wow, girlfriend — radio? You should have that gorgeous face on television!
Thank you! And actually, I'm not on the radio — I manage the station and oversee advertising sales.

Just like Mr. Carlson from WKRP, but, like, really hot?
Hah, I don't know about that!

Oh yeah, you are a total love muffin! Now you're from Paducah, yes?
Yes, I grew up in Paducah and have lived here my entire life. I am a graduate of Paducah Tilghman High School.

Do you mind sharing your age?
I am 39 and holding!

Oh good one. I tried that, but my hands must have slipped! Christie, that hair! You're so pretty! Tell us your beauty secrets!
I don't know if they're secrets. I learned a lot when I worked for Heil Beauty Systems. I was the education director and show coordinator for Heil. I spent 15 years planning and constructing hair shows from New York to Nashville.

And then what?
I started in sales for Withers Broadcasting four years ago, and last year moved up into management. So now I'm the station manager for our four radio stations. It has been a wild roller coaster ride to the top!

That's a great promotion! You must be very, very good!
I have a passion for music and the arts. And I have met many great people during the course of my four-year journey in media/advertising!

Tell us about Withers' four radio stations.
We have 106.7 WZZL, which is a rock station...and my fave! Yes, I'm a rocker! And WREZ, 105.5 The Cat, which is a Top 40/Hot Adult Contemporary station with a twist. We carry Cardinals baseball!

We also have 95.9 WGKY, located in Wickliffe, Ky. It's an oldies station carrying '50s, '60s and '70s music. By the way, I don't consider that oldies!

Ouch! Neither do I!
And last but not least, we have AM station 920 WMOK, located in Metropolis, Ill., which carries news talk and real country music. I sound like a salesperson, don't I?

And a very good one! What's the most challenging part of your job?
Finding the right employee to sell air! Marketing skills are a must in this profession! You must be very open-minded.

OK, just between us, who's your favorite Withers DJ?
I can't play favorites on who is my favorite DJ.

Oh, come on. There must be one. You can tell us!
No, no! All my on-air talent is great! I'm really proud of them! The recent ice storm in this area proved how lucky I am. I have great employees!

It was Cale Simmons, wasn't it? He is SUCH a hottie.
Cale (right) was a great DJ — very witty and intelligent. He went back home to continue his college career. I just loved him! And our listeners did, too! But I love all our DJs equally!

Have you always been interested in music?
Yes, definitely. I grew up listening to Frank Sinatra, Elvis (The KING) and Patsy Cline. On into the '80s, the rock '80s hair bands took over my interest. I've been a rocker ever since! I'm more into the newer rock music now. The talent is great out there! And the different genres of music strike my interest!

Who are you listening to these days?
Three Days Grace, Seether, Mudvayne and Metallica are my favorites right now.

So let's get to your love life, Christie Bell. You are DAR-LING! Have you been married before?
Yes, I married young. I have two boys, Payton, 18, and Dylan, 16. They're the love of my life! My oldest will be attending college this fall, and my youngest recently got his driving permit.

Oh, Lordie!
I know! Can you say "empty nest syndrome"?

Aack! Well, we're here to keep that nest feathered, so to speak. What kind of relationship are you looking for?
I'd love someone who's goal-oriented and stable — a fun-loving guy who likes to take things slow! I am a bit of a "chameleon." I love to dress up and go to parties and fundraisers but I can also throw on some jeans and take a trip four-wheeler riding or muddin' with the boys!

Oh, and I like to travel and attend lots of music concerts and events!

Christie! You're perfect for any guy!
Actually, it's been super hard to find men in this area with the same goals and dreams I have. I have learned I am very independent and goal oriented, and I focus my life on my children. That seems to be hard for some of my "past" dates to realize.

Cute guys with goals are out there somewhere. We just gotta find them. Now, I hear you're related to a real, live saint.
Hah! Yes, my mother is Martha Bell of Martha's Vineyard.

She's the bombdiggity!
She is! She started her feeding program 14 years ago, feeding the less fortunate, elderly and shut-ins in this area. I always try to help her any chance I get.

That is just so cool, Christie.
I couldn't ask for a better role model in my life. She is my rock! I could write a book about my mother!

Well, iList Paducah would love to publish the excerpts! Rock on, Christie Bell!

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