GREENFIELD, MA (FRANKLIN COUNTY NOW) — A new era in Western Mass Radio begins Friday morning as Jess Tyler will be the host of “Bear in the Morning” on Bear Country 95.3. Tyler succeeds Kevin, who has held that title for the past 24 years.
Tyler is back in the same building where she launched her career in the late 1990s. Jess worked in the news department at WHAI Radio before departing to become an air talent at KIX Country in Springfield for ten years. Tyler then had stops in Providence, Louisville, Detroit, and Dover, New Hampshire before returning to the Pioneer Valley at WHMP in Northampton for the last three and a half years.
“It’s really come full circle for me,” said Tyler, a native of Cummington. “I worked with people like Jay Deane and Jeff Tirrell back then, and it’s nice to see so many familiar faces again. It’s so great to be back.”
Tyler has always had an affinity for the country format and is looking forward to continuing that at Bear Country.
“I’ve had the opportunity to do so many cool things over the years. I got to tour with Keith Urban for a week, go to Toby Keith’s house, attend a Super Bowl event at Luke Bryan’s, and many things with Garth Brooks in Nashville as well.”
Tyler said the fact that she recently was on afternoon drive on Bear Country will help with her transition to the morning show.
“I was so happy that Kevin was able to spend time with me this week to help me along, and I think it’s wonderful that he is able to take this next step in his career, and his life.”
Kevin enjoyed a 24-year career with Bear Country, helping countless listeners begin their day and informing and entertaining them along the way.
“It has been an honor to work for Bear Country 95.3 for the past 24 years and spend the last 20 years with the team at Saga Communications and the Western Mass Media Group. Hosting the morning show at Bear Country 95.3 has provided me with many opportunities to speak with the biggest names in country music like Garth Brooks. But it has also allowed me to become a trusted voice and friend to the people that make up the fabric of this incredible community in western Massachusetts. That is the greatest honor of all.”
While eager to begin his new career path, Kevin said memories of his time at Bear Country are foremost in his mind right now.
“I am excited to be entering the world of higher education at Franklin Pierce University, but I will miss the interaction with all the local people,” said Kevin. Telling people they won concert tickets, buying girl scout cookies from a local troop member on the radio and reporting the good news headlines from FranklinCountyNow.com. Being able to put a smile on a listener’s face each morning is something I will never take for granted”
Kevin said he is comforted by the fact that he is leaving “Bear in the Morning” in good hands.
“Jess is a respected professional in our industry, ” said Kevin. “Bear Country 95.3 is lucky to have her in the driver’s seat at the radio station”
Dan Guin General Manager: “This is an amazing time for Bear Country. I had the privilege to share Kevin with the listeners for 24 years and watch him work his magic, now he will give back in another way by inspiring future broadcasters. Jess Tyler brings her talent and love of country music to the mornings. While she forms new friendships and works with some of us again as she returns home to Greenfield.”
