By Hannah Osborne
Born and raised in Georgia, Lee Burger’s life in the public eye has always been clear to him – just not in the way he first expected.
As a child, Burger was drawn to acting, but he quickly found his way into the world of radio.
“The next best thing was to be a broadcaster, so I went to broadcasting school,” says Burger.
After school, Burger found himself at WBHF-AM in Cartersville, Georgia, and has been with the station ever since.
“While he has the talent and opportunities to move to other places, he chose to remain in Cartersville,” says Matt Santini, WBHF Station Manager.
In his 55 years with WBHF, Burger has filled a number of roles. These roles have included morning show host, disc jockey, news reporter, salesman, program director, sales manager and more – such is the life of a radio broadcaster.
“I’ve never gotten up in the morning and not wanted to go to work,” Burger says. “I’ve always loved my work.”
Despite his childhood dream leading him to broadcasting in place of acting, Burger’s greatest love in broadcasting has been the sales department.
“I’ve enjoyed writing and producing commercials,” says Burger, but what sticks out more in his mind is his relationship with his clients. “I’ve had two customers that for more than 50 years they have been my customers.”
This love and dedication to not just his job, but the relationships that are born from his work led him to becoming sales manager at WBHF.
“Lee’s mentorship, guidance, creativity and sometimes stern advice, has been a source of inspiration for anyone who has ever worked for WBHF,” says Santini. “He is a trusted resource for the station, especially during challenging times and significant news events.”
Burger was drawn to the station for its connection with the Cartersville community.
“WBHF has always been a part of the community, and I love to be a part of the community,” says Burger. “It’s a special place for me.”
To give back to the community that he loves so much, Burger has taken a great interest in getting involved. He served on the board of the Etowah Scholarship Foundation for several years, an organization that raises funds for local students. In 1987, Burger was recognized as the “Small Business of the Year.” He was instrumental in the establishment of the Cartersville Fourth of July Parade, started in 1976. And, Burger has even gone so far as to drive out during a tornado to provide live reports.
“A few years ago, a tornado was tracking through our community. Lee drove to the area and gave live reports,” says Santini. “In retrospect, probably not the wisest decision, but it meant the world to our listeners and our station.”
In addition to the vital roles Burger has played in his local community, he has been a key player in the broadcasting community as well. In 1999 Burger served as the President of the Georgia Association of Broadcasters, as well as, serving on the board of the organization for 15 years. In his involvement with the GAB he assisted in reviving the GAB scholarship program, having the program named for his longtime friend and former GAB president, E. Lanier (Lanny) Finch. The program has now provided more than $100,000 in financial assistance to students studying broadcasting across the state of Georgia.
In recognition of everything that Burger has accomplished in his career, in his community and in support of Georgia broadcasting, he will be joining 111 of his peers in the GAB Hall of Fame this March.
“Lee’s commitment to service wherever he saw a need, whether it was in his community or among his fellow broadcasters, and his passionate dedication to the profession he loves makes him more than worthy of this honor,” says Santini.
His humble nature is evident in the pride he feels to be joining the ranks of broadcasters that have been inducted to the Hall of Fame in previous years.
“I was shocked to be chosen,” says Burger. “I am looking through the people that are already in the Hall of Fame, the pictures of each inductee, and I was really shocked. I am very proud.”
Burger’s ability to create and maintain relationships within the realm of broadcasting, the WBHF community and with his clients has been and will continue to be the reflection of his impact.
“To join and be a part of the broadcasters that are already in the GAB Hall of Fame, it means everything to me,” says Burger.
The GAB Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be held at the Emory Conference Center Hotel on March 22, 2024.
