More Than a Signal
When the local country radio tower came down, Jackson County lost more than a station. It lost a voice that woke people up, kept them company on the drive to work, and told them what was happening around town.
“When the local country radio tower came down, we lost more than a signal,” said Dee Armstrong, founder and owner of Southern Social Radio. “Our listeners lost their connection with us, and we all felt a little more alone. Without a tower, there was no way to bring that connection back.”
Armstrong, who has spent eight years on air, decided not to wait for a new tower. Instead, she built a station that doesn’t need one!
A New Mission, Built with the Times
Armstrong partnered with the Jackson County Times to launch Southern Social Radio, a streaming country station that plays 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Listeners can tune in from a phone, tablet, computer, and on the go at southernsocialradio.com. No radio or app is required.
“We wanted to create a place where anyone, anywhere, could tune in and find clear, reliable information about the things that bring people together,” Armstrong said. That means local news, sports and community events, plus RV rallies, fundraisers, concerts and the big gatherings that fill local calendars.
The goal, she said, was simple: music that is easy on the ears, voices that are friendly, and information people can trust, all on the listener’s own schedule.
Giving Back
The station is also built to give back. A portion of Southern Social’s advertising dollars will go to people and causes that need it most: veterans, the elderly, animals, and families still rebuilding after the storms.
“Radio and the newspaper have always been about community,” Armstrong said, “and community means looking out for one another.”
What’s on the Air
Between the country hits and classics, Southern Social carries a lineup of local shows. Several come straight from the Jackson County Times newsroom.
Rise and Grind, weekdays at 7 a.m., with songs that get you moving and conversations that get you thinking.
Jackson County Times reports, updated by 6 a.m.: Local News, Sports, the Jail Docket, The Dash (obituaries and remembrances) and the Community Calendar.
Steals and Deals, weekdays, with Luke and Myranda Kleinschnitz rounding up bargains from local businesses. Send your items for sale by email to production@southernsocialradio.com or text them to (850) TUNE-IN-1, or (850) 886-3461.
Out to Lunch, weekdays at noon, with Rene Calloway on lunch spots and daily specials.
Business News, Thursdays by 8 a.m., on openings, closings and expansions.
Country Uncovered, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8 a.m., the station’s Nashville connection, with songwriter Chloie Armstrong and alt-country artist Brody McKinney.
Top 20 Countdown, Saturdays at 8 a.m., and Sunday Sync, Sundays at 10 a.m., both hosted by Rene Calloway.
Army veteran and guitar player Acie Armstrong is also heard across many of the station’s shows. All times are Central.
Open to Everyone
Armstrong said the station is for the local who never wants to miss another event. It is also for the traveler rolling through town, and for anyone looking for good country music and new, up-and-coming artists.
“It’s for everyone who believes that when we share information, and share a little of what we earn, we all do better,” she said. “That’s our promise: simple, sincere, and open to everyone.”
She hopes the community will make the station its own. “We worked very hard to build this for you, and it’s very dear to my heart,” Armstrong said. “I hope you love it as much as I do, and share it to help us grow.”
How to Tune In
Listen live: southernsocialradio.com, 24/7, on any phone, tablet or computer.
Text song requests and shout-outs: (850) TUNE-IN-1, or (850) 886-3461.
Advertising and sponsorships: dee@southernsocialradio.com.
News, events, items for Steals and Deals, and everything else: production@southernsocialradio.com.
Follow along: Southern Social Radio on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, TikTok
