In 1998, Auburn Network, Inc. launched it’s signature local program, Auburn/Opelika This Morning, with the mission of being the area’s unquestioned radio leader for local news, weather, information, and interviews- and the show has achieved just that. The show has been recognized by the Alabama Broadcasters’ Association nine times as being the best small market radio talk show in the state. Additionally, NewsTalk WANI has been recognized as Alabama’s Station of the Year on two separate occasions, the only station in the history of the state to ever accomplish that feat.
The first host of Auburn/Opelika This Morning in 1998 was Jerry Katz, followed by Jerry Potter, the late Rod Bramblett, current voice of the Auburn Tigers Andy Burcham, Bob Wooddy, and Zac Blackerby. Beginning in 2022, which is the 25th year of the show, Ben Taylor became the 7th host of Auburn/Opelika This Morning with Riley Hubbard being his regular co-host.
Auburn-Opelika This Morning is quite simply the most informative radio show in Lee County. The ABBY Award Winning Show airs from 6:00-9:00 weekday mornings and includes local and national news, sports, weather, local event coverage, special features, and live in-studio guests. AOTM provides the only local newscast in Lee County airing at the top-of-the-hour, following Fox News, as well as at the bottom of each hour.
Auburn-Opelika This Morning also features weekly segments including the Big Screen Movie Review and the Church & Pastor Spotlight.
Auburn-Opelika this Morning is where listeners know to tune to hear Auburn/Opelika’s movers, shakers, and decision-makers.
Auburn/Opelika This Morning has been the recipient of the ABBY Award as the state’s Best Talk Show by the Alabama Broadcasters Association a record eight times. Additionally, NewsTalk WANI was named Alabama’s 2015 Radio Station-of-the-Year. WANI also won Station-of-the-Year honors in 2009.
Growing up in South Alabama (Red Level, population 500), Ben Taylor is one of those guys who “came to Auburn, fell in love and never left.” While a student at Auburn University, Ben aspired to be the next ESPN SportsCenter anchor but after securing a part-time job in radio at age 19, he fell in love with the medium and never looked back. “Radio reminded me of the days when my dad would put on one of the many records that he brought home and saved from his time in the Air Force. He loved to share that part of his life overseas where the music reminded him and the other troops of home.” From age 19 to now, Ben has been in the radio business in some capacity, including here at the Auburn Network where he worked from 2003 – 2007 with our sister station, NewsTalk WANI. Ben has been involved in radio as an on-air talent, in sales, management, and even consulting. Now, with Auburn Network Inc., Ben is involved in sales and marketing as well the serving as the host of Ben and Friends, the weekday morning show on Wings 94.3.
Ben Factoid: Ben's late grandfather (Murry Johnson) graduated from Auburn in 1957. The diplomas were given to that graduating class, however, were labeled “Alabama Polytechnic Institute” or API.
What is the best concert you have ever attended? My very first and before two of them ever became famous (Reba, Brooks and Dunn & Faith Hill). What is your favorite Wings band? Bon Jovi! What was your most memorable day on the job? Being offered a full-time position while still in college. If you weren’t playing music what would you be doing? More than likely coaching or in some sort of education administration. If you had your own band what would the name of it be? “All About The Benjamins” What is something about yourself that no one else knows? Even though I’ve always been a sports nut, I actually did some stage performing and was a decent singer! Is the name you go by your real name? If I told you, a lot of agencies that use letters in their names would be at my doorstep. What is your favorite spot in Auburn/Opelika? Home with the wife, kids, and animals sipping bourbon and watching Auburn, the Atlanta Braves or some sort of golf tournament. What is your favorite movie? Bull Durham What one word describes you best? Sarcastic What is your favorite restaurant? Mom & Dad’s (a small Italian place in Defuniak Springs, FL) What is your favorite movie quote? “I’m too drunk to taste this chicken!” – Ricky Bobby, Talladega Nights
