By Michayla Maxwell and Bryson Scruggs
Abby Jessen, Assistant Program Director and Midday Host for WSB-FM (B98.5), landed her first broadcasting gig through a connection made at the GAB Radio Talent Institute. Jessen, a 2017 graduate of UGA’s Grady College, has proven success as a broadcaster and largely credits the Georgia Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation (GAB-EF) in providing a pathway to her success. Now, Jessen is dedicated to educating and inspiring the next generation of future broadcasters.
Jessen, whose roles also include voice-tracking for WNGC in Athens; hosting mid-days in San Antonio; and anchoring weekends in Tulsa, discovered her passion for broadcasting at Roswell High School
This passion intensified while pursuing a degree in broadcast and digital marketing at the University of Georgia. During this time, Jessen applied for the GAB Radio Talent Institute (RTI), marking her first encounter with the GAB-EF. 
This intensive “radio boot camp” was more than just training; it opened her eyes to diverse industry roles like program director and production director, jobs she never knew existed. She learned key behind-the-scenes functions, like music scheduling, and even shadowed somebody who did voice-over for a living. The GAB RTI showcased the wide array of career paths available beyond on-air talent.
Beyond practical insights into “what makes radio, radio,” the program offered unparalleled networking. As a 20-year-old, she met executives, general managers, and vice presidents who not only shared their expertise, but took interest in the students as well, providing a “phenomenal” networking opportunity. Jessen remembers the GAB RTI as, “the best week and a half I ever spent.”
Crucially, the GAB RTI connected her with key mentors and lifelong colleagues. A conversation with Chris Egan, then VP of Programming for Cox Media Group (CMG), led to a shadowing opportunity that paved the way for her first job as an afternoon news and traffic anchor in Athens.
“He connected me with Pete DeGraff in Athens, who is the Operations Manager for Cox Media Group there. They were looking for an afternoon news and traffic anchor, so I got that job, which was amazing,” Jessen recalled.
Now a GAB RTI alumna and returning panelist, Jessen passionately advocates for connecting ambitious students with mentors. By actively training the next generation of broadcasters, Jessen pays forward the opportunities she was afforded as a student.
“I got to participate in the Radio Talent Institute, which got me a career in radio. So thank goodness for the Radio Talent Institute,” she said.
Her own experience highlights the power of education programs and lateral networking; she maintains strong connections with her institute classmates, many now in hiring positions, demonstrating how mutual support can forge invaluable professional relationships.
Jessen, while being a part of the GAB-EF’s initiatives, recognized that community often helped move her career forward. She credits the GAB to helping build community through personal connections and through the impact of recognition from the GAB to its member stations as well.
Every year, CMG Athens hosts a Radiothon, benefiting different organizations that serve the community in Athens.
“We were so honored to receive the Gabby Community Service Award at WNGC,” Jessen says. “When you’re in Radiothon, you are working hard, you’re not sleeping, you’re basically fueled with caffeine and sugar, but you’re doing it for kids. When you get recognized for it, that is so neat.”
This award not only celebrated WNGC’s tireless efforts in community service – such as helping secure food and housing for those in need – but also provided external validation that amplified their impact and inspired continued dedication to local communities. It served as a powerful testament to the station’s commitment to its audience.
Beyond awards, GABCON provides essential educational opportunities that are vital to students and professionals alike. GABCON Educational Sessions serve to bridge gaps in latest industry innovations. Jessen highlights that while new trends emerge, current industry professionals aren’t always afforded continued education. She emphasizes how these sessions help professionals like her stay sharp, adapt to trends and collectively solve industry challenges.
For students, GABCON provides an opportunity to immerse themselves in the industry’s cutting edge.
“This is an incredible opportunity,” Jessen says. “You get all of these hiring managers or people who could mentor you in the industry, in one room.”
Students are welcomed to attend sessions to gain insights into topics like new technologies, artificial intelligence (AI) applications in broadcasting and evolving social media trends. This allows them to enter interviews with informed perspectives and a competitive edge that directly addresses current industry needs and challenges.
Abby Jessen’s journey exemplifies how investment in aspiring broadcasters, coupled with their talent and drive, leads to remarkable success. The GAB Education Foundation’s commitment to programs like the GAB Radio Talent Institute is directly shaping the leaders who will continue to innovate and strengthen Georgia’s broadcasting landscape.
