WFXG FOX 54 in Augusta, GA introduces Brad Hargrove as General Manager.
Hargrove’s background includes stints in Virginia, Texas and Missouri, among others. Most recently, he served as Sales Manager at WDAF-TV in Kansas City, Missouri.
“I was really excited to find a community like Augusta,” says Hargrove. “The diversity in the Augusta community between being a strong military community along with having the tourism of Augusta National and the Masters, that fit my family and lifestyle.”
Hargrove also notes that his enjoyment of working with FOX affiliates led to his decision as well.
Hargrove began his new role in September, and in the weeks following guided the WFXG through its response to Hurricane Helene and subsequent recovery efforts.
“Helene wasn’t supposed to come through Augusta until it shifted at the last minute. I feel strongly that broadcast television was a huge advocate and held responsibility for preparedness as people were learning during the evening hours that the storm would be coming,” says Hargrove.
In the days after the storm, WFXG published a review of the events that led to the storm’s impact on the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA).
While the community was expecting strong wind gusts, FOX54 outlines that Hurricane Helene’s unexpected shift left the CSRA directly to the East or “right side” of the storm. Typically, the worst effects of tropical storms and hurricanes are felt to the east of its path.
Despite the unexpected turn, broadcasters were able to advise their communities during the late evening hours, as soon as the information was learned. Hargrove points out that this allowed for the station’s communities to find safer areas in their homes to wait out the storm, as well as some extra time to do preparations.
As Augusta and the CSRA sustained the storm, FOX54 was able to keep their viewers aware in spite of power outages.
“Being able to use social media and newer platforms available to disseminate information. It is so powerful, we received great feedback,” says Hargrove. “Broadcast plays such a pivotal role in our communities and what it can do.”
In the aftermath of navigating Hurricane Helene, Hargrove continues to settle into his new role.
“The employees at WFXG and our parent company Lockwood have all been extremely welcoming and great, great people to work with. From that standpoint, it’s been really exciting,” Hargrove says.
Hargrove’s plans for the station include digging deeper into the Augusta community than ever before.
“Lockwood hasn’t owned the station for too-terribly long. We have a lot we can bring to Augusta and want to be a part of a growth solution and a positive image solution for the community,” says Hargrove.
The GAB welcomes Brad and his family to Georgia, and is excited to further its relationship with Augusta and WFXG.
“The unity of broadcasters in general is extremely important in this day and age. We have more media options than ever and the power of what broadcast television can bring to communities is important to preserve,” Hargrove says. “Organizations like the GAB are important to communicate that relevance to community, state, and even national leaders.”
