Each month, we shine a spotlight on a Fort Walton Beach Chamber member whose story helps tell the story of our community.
From Blue Light Specials to Country Radio
How Bo Reynolds turned a childhood dream into a 42-year broadcasting career
By Denise David
There are not many people who have a clear career path before reaching their teen years, but Bo Reynolds is an exception. His first seat behind a microphone came while announcing “blue light specials” at his hometown Kmart. There, he finally caught the attention of a station manager and landed his first real radio interview. What started as, “You’re that kid,” turned into a journey that has taken him through 13 radio markets across the country.
Another thing that sets Bo apart is his 42 years of experience in the radio industry. As a DJ, he has worked in nearly every format imaginable, including rock, yacht rock, Top 40 and now country music. With experience in markets of every size, from major cities to small towns, he has accumulated countless stories along the way. Meeting artists, attending concerts and community events, and bringing those experiences to listeners has remained a constant throughout his career.
Since his journey began in the 1980s, the radio industry has experienced tremendous change. In the early days, Bo was spinning records by hand. Then came the 1990s and the rise of the internet, which dramatically transformed the industry. Through every shift and technological advancement, Bo has remained agile and adaptable. One thing that has not changed is the impact radio continues to have. Even today, radio remains one of the nation’s most accessible and widely used sources of music and entertainment.
A surprise New Year’s Eve storm on Okaloosa Island in 2015 was how Bo first discovered what he now calls “my paradise.” Here, the morning commute begins before sunrise and people are already on the move. Being the voice that helps listeners start their day, whether heading to work or school, is something he takes seriously. Over the years, Bo has come to appreciate the local community he serves and the country music that brightens listeners’ mornings on his JVC Broadcasting show. Highway 98.1 has become part of the fabric of life along the Emerald Coast.
Several causes hold special significance for Bo and the JVC team. One of those is the Special Olympics, which he proudly supports. He has also participated in Bikes or Bust for more than eight years. Each year, he spends five long nights atop Uptown Station in Fort Walton Beach collecting new bicycles, helmets, toys and monetary donations for Emerald Coast Toys for Tots.
When he is not on the air or supporting community events, Bo can often be found on Okaloosa Island with a camera or drone in hand. Photography helps keep him active while allowing him to capture the beauty of the place he calls home. It is a hobby that reflects the same passion and curiosity that drove a seventh-grade boy to keep asking for his first radio opportunity. That determination still exists today. According to Bo, it took just six months at Highway 98.1 for Bo to help the station reach the No. 1 listener position.
For the past 10 years, Bo has served as the morning show host on JVC Broadcasting’s country station. You can find him on Highway 98.1 FM, or follow his work through several YouTube channels. And if you happen to run into him around town, it may be behind a camera lens instead of a microphone. Wherever you meet him, chances are he will greet you with a big smile.
