ICYMI: Meet Country Radio's Most-Beloved Mascots

Once a fairly popular part of a radio station’s brand and culture, mascots have been on the wane in recent years. In fact, in a budget-conscious environment, only a handful of country stations still employ a full-time, salaried mascot. Yet, according to Phyllis Stark writing for Billboard, if you ask the guy (or gal) in the furry suit, it’s not only the best gig in radio, but an invaluable asset to a station’s community relations efforts, even if they sometimes have to deal with hostile drunks, terrified children and even the occasional reluctant recording artist.

Among the country stations with heritage mascots are Cumulus/WIVK Knoxville, Tenn.’s Wivick the Frog; Bristol Broadcasting Co./WXBQ Bristol, Tenn.’s WXBQ Rabbit (sister stations WQBE Charleston, W.Va., and WKYQ Paducah, Ky., also have rabbit mascots, and share the company’s “24 Carrot Country” slogan); and iHeart Media/KNIX Phoenix’s Barrel Boy. Unlike some stations that just throw the mascot costume on the nearest intern, these three employ professionals for whom mascot duties are their primary job.

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