In an era of podcasts, streaming platforms, and digital media, the warm, familiar voice of Alex Vardavas still crackles through the airwaves of Danville, reminding listeners why radio remains an irreplaceable thread in the fabric of American culture.
Answering The Call
What began as a reluctant response to a newspaper advertisement has blossomed into a lifetime love affair with broadcasting. “I was ‘persuaded’ to answer by my mom and relatives who thought I should get off my dead rear-end and get a job,” Vardavas recalls with a chuckle. “I was subjected to name calling like lazy, shiftless, etc.”
That fateful summer before his junior year of high school, young Alex read two K-Mart washing machine commercials for then-Program Director David Luther at WBTM. Selected from a field of four candidates, he was the only one who remained. “The rest is history,” he says, his voice carrying the satisfaction of someone who accidentally stumbled upon his perfect calling.
Roots that Run Deep
Unlike many in his profession who bounce from market to market in pursuit of bigger opportunities, Vardavas planted deep roots in his community. “Going from radio station to radio station was not in the cards for me as I never wanted to be a vagabond,” he explains. “Owl Baby has got to have roots!”
Even while pursuing a political science degree at Elon College (now University)—a backup plan “in case things didn’t work out”—his dedication to WBTM never wavered. “Those four years at Elon were some of the best and fastest years of my life, but even at that, I came home every weekend, of those four years, to work at the station.”
The Soundtrack of Generations
When discussing his musical preferences, Vardavas’s eyes light up. “50s, 60s, and 70s,” he answers without hesitation. “Out of these three decades, my absolute favorite would be the 60s!” This passion drives his Saturday specialty show, “Retro Hits,” where he connects listeners with the cherished sounds of their youth.
Yet he remains equally enthusiastic about contemporary artists. “We play artists like Dua Lipa, Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Hozier, Lady Gaga, Post Malone, Adele, Beyoncé,” he says, dismissing any notion that his musical appreciation is trapped in amber.
Behind The Microphone
For Vardavas, radio has never been merely a job. “I’ve been able to earn a living by ‘playing’ all my life… certainly hasn’t been work!” he exclaims. But behind that seemingly effortless on-air presence lies a disciplined approach to his craft.
His day revolves around what broadcasters call “show prep”—researching current events, sports updates, and weather forecasts while hunting for those “little nuggets that make folks go wow.” He juggles phone calls, in-studio visitors, transmitter readings, and breaking news, all while keeping everything running on schedule. “The clock is your worst enemy in radio,” he notes.
The Human Connection
What keeps Vardavas passionate about radio in a digital world? For him, it’s simple: “The immediate and welcoming feedback from the listeners was most fulfilling for me.”
That connection extends beyond the airwaves into tangible community involvement. “You don’t see podcasters or personalities from Sirius XM at the Bridge2Bridge 5K cheering on participants, but what you do see is WBTM and WAKG there,” he points out. “The community supports us, we support the community… it’s a continuous cycle and sustains us both.”
On-Air Mishaps and Memorable Moments
Like any live broadcaster, Vardavas has weathered his share of on-air mishaps. He recounts, with clear amusement, an incident involving a new control board in the early 90s that accidentally broadcast an expletive when he thought his microphone was off.
“As the show proceeded, I called out to the receptionist to get an idea of the damage,” he recalls. “She said lots of phone calls. I said I know that much, what were the comments of the listeners…she said they loved it. She said even a minister called in and he loved it.”
The Future of Radio
Despite technological shifts that have transformed how content is delivered, Vardavas remains bullish on radio’s future. “According to Nielsen, radio (AM/FM) is the most listened-to mass reach media in the U.S., reaching a larger audience than any other platform, linear or digital,” he states confidently. “Radio is not even close to seeing its better days.”
Rather than viewing digital innovations as threats, he embraces them as tools that enhance radio’s reach. “Radio doesn’t have to fear technological advances. It’s an added bonus and a new tool to connect. We welcome the new mediums and use it to our advantage.”
Life Beyond The Studio
When the “On Air” light dims, Vardavas cherishes quality time with close friends, particularly during out-of-town dinner trips that provide meaningful conversation during the car ride. “As much quality time with my dear friends the better,” he emphasizes.
His other interests include his church family, collecting sports memorabilia, attending sporting events, and relaxing in his recliner watching television.
The Lasting Legacy
Looking ahead, Vardavas’s ambitions are refreshingly straightforward: “At this juncture in my life, my goal is to stay as healthy as possible and continue to do what I LOVE doing… and that’s having fun on the radio and interacting with my listeners.”
For generations of Danville residents, Alex Vardavas isn’t just a voice on the radio—he’s a trusted companion, community advocate, and beloved local institution. Through technological revolutions and changing musical landscapes, his passion for broadcasting remains undimmed, proving that in a world of algorithms and playlists, the human touch of radio still matters.
“It’s been a great ride,” he reflects, with the satisfied tone of someone who found not just a career, but a calling—one that continues to resonate across the airwaves of southern Virginia.
