WATH/Athens Debuts ''Southern Ohio Gold'' Format

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, July 10, 2026 | 4:32pm CT

WATH-AM/Athens, GA

Total Media has rebranded WATH-AM (970/97.3) in Athens, OH, flipping from Sports to Oldies with the launch of "Southern Ohio Gold." The new format debuted Friday, July 10, at 3pm and is programmed by Seaboard Networks CEO Steve Clendenin.

The move restores an Oldies format to the heritage station, a change that holds special significance for Total Media Director of Programming JJ Hale, who grew up listening to WATH.

"This project was especially meaningful to me because I grew up listening to Athens' heritage station, 970 WATH," Hale said. "Over the years, the station went through several format changes, and it was always my hope to bring back the oldies sound and restore the heritage feel that made WATH such an important part of the community."

Hale credited Clendenin and Seaboard Networks for helping bring the format to life, saying the partnership made "Southern Ohio Gold" the right fit for the station and praising Clendenin's guidance throughout the launch process.

Clendenin said he is excited to expand the reach of the format through the partnership with Total Media. "We are excited to bring this specially curated format to WATH," he said. "Gold has proved to be a successful format and I am thrilled to partner with Total Media to bring this format to their audience."

The new format is heard on WATH's 970 AM signal and 97.3 FM translator, serving listeners throughout the Athens area.