Tallahassee Radio: Joe Bullard Abruptly Exits WHBX-FM

Joe Bullard, a beloved Tallahassee radio personality known as “The Almighty,” unexpectedly left 96.1 Jamz (WHBX-FM), an urban contemporary station owned by Cumulus Media, last month, after nearly 30 years of service since joining in August 1997. 

As the program director and midday host (10 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays), Bullard was a cornerstone of the station, celebrated for his engaging style and deep community ties. 

His departure was unplanned and described as “bittersweet” by his family, who stated, “While his departure was unplanned on his part and ultimately bittersweet for us all, we as a family have enough faith to know that God makes absolutely no mistakes, even in this.” 

They noted that Bullard, an “at will” employee without a contract, would now have time to focus on family and friends, leaving open the possibility of future radio endeavors by saying he is “listening to God” regarding his career.

Joe Bullard

No official reason for his exit was provided by Cumulus Media, who declined to comment on employee matters, only confirming Bullard’s departure. 

Bullard’s career spans over five decades, beginning in the 1960s at WOBS 1530 in Jacksonville, followed by stints in Orlando at WOKB and Tallahassee at WANM, the city’s first Black radio station, starting in 1974. He also served as a promotional manager for Columbia Records before its acquisition by Sony in 1990. 

His iconic voice has been the soundtrack for Florida A&M University’s Marching 100 since 1975, a role he plans to continue, marking his 50th anniversary in 2025.Bullard’s contributions earned him accolades, including induction into the National Black Radio Hall of Fame in 2022 as one of the Original 13 Black Radio Award recipients and keys to the cities of Tallahassee and Quincy.