This week, The Voice Radio Network celebrated more than the renovation of its studio in Georgetown.
It marked the latest chapter in Kevin Andrade’s career, which took him from being an immigrant from Ecuador to the president and part owner of Delmarva’s newest network of local radio stations.
Since buying stations previously owned by Great Scott Broadcasting in February 2015, Andrade has built a radio group of six frequencies, a staff of more than 30 employees, and a commitment to live programming that is rapidly disappearing from radio. The Voice reportedly bought the stations for $1.7 million.
“We’re here to congratulate Kevin for being such a force, not only for the Latino community but also for the economy of the area with the jobs that he has created and the hope he has given others that they too can live out the American dream,” said Gov. Jack Markell.
Sue Dalton, who was general manager at Great Scott Broadcasting when Andrade first contacted the company, talked about taking over a station, also spoke of his determination and passion for radio programming.
She said Mitchell Scott, the late chief executive of Great Scott Broadcasting, who died in March 2013, would have been proud of The Voice Radio Network’s studio, stations, and dedication to the community.
More than 100 people attended the ribbon cutting, including Delaware Department of Transportation Secretary Jennifer Cohan, Sen. Ernie Lopez, Sen. Bryan Townsend, State Rep. Ruth Briggs-King and State Rep. David Wilson.
Based in Georgetown, stations carry signals that extend from central Delaware to the Eastern Shore.
Andrade, who has been a radio personality for more than 25 years, said he’s known since he first arrived in southern Delaware that he could make a difference in the region filled with welcoming people.
“Every day, we set out to broadcast local, live shows that speak to the interests of our listeners, hosted by local personalities who take phone calls and respond to the audience,” he said. “That is what radio is supposed to sound like.”
The company also works to support small businesses. “Kevin truly cares about my business and changes my opportunities to drive traffic through his products based on our needs. Kevin and his team bring an enthusiasm and pride in their stations that is rarely seen in our business,” said Chris Hagel, marketing director at Pohanka of Salisbury, MD.
Stations include:
- Power 101.7 FM-WZEB, which features urban contemporary music.
- Classic rock stations The Vault 103.5 FM-WJKI and 106.1 FM-WXSH.
- Maxima 95.3 FM-WKDB.
- La Raza 900 AM and 100.3 FM cater to Latinos of Mexican heritage.
“Our goal is to root ourselves in the communities where we broadcast. We want to be a model for local radio done right,” he said.
The stations operate in a crowded Salisbury-Ocean City radio market that includes Clear Channel, newcomer Adams Broadcasting, and Delmarva Broadcasting among others.
Adams – a part of a Minnesota billboard, recreational services, radio and newspaper company – bought the remainder of Great Scott and moved its studios to Salisbury.
Adams’ sole holding in Delaware is the Newark Post newspaper, which has offices at the nearby Cecil Whig newspaper, a three-day-a-week newspaper Elkton, MD. Adams also has Eastern Shore holdings that include the Star Democrat daily newspaper in Easton.
