Former Chattanooga Broadcaster Jerry Brown Retires

  • Tuesday, August 3, 2021
  • Earl Freudenberg

Former Chattanooga broadcaster Jerry Brown is retiring after a lengthy radio and television career.  Mr. Brown was co-anchor for the evening news on WDEF TV 12 in the 80’s and 90’s. He also hosted a top-rated afternoon country music show on WDOD FM.   

Mr. Brown is from Rome, Ga. where he went to work as a radio announcer in 1968.  He joined the Army Reserve in 1971 and served as a public information officer until 1977. His unit was part of the American Forces Radio and Television Service. A short time later, Mr. Brown got a job at WMAZ in Macon, Ga.

Doris Ellis, longtime WDEF TV program director, said Mr. Brown is among the top Chattanooga television news anchors.  Mrs. Ellis said she never worked with anyone more conscientious than Jerry Brown.  Mrs. Ellis said Mr. Brown was friendly to everyone and was never in a bad mood.  Mr. Brown was at Channel 12 for almost 20 years.  

Veteran TV news anchor David Carroll worked with Mr. Brown at Channel 12.  In describing Mr. Brown, Mr. Carroll said, “He’s humble, talented, nice, and I can’t find a flaw in Jerry.” He called him “Mr. Smooth.” Mr. Carroll said, “Brown is extremely professional and doesn’t make mistakes.  He’s everything a news anchor should be.” 

Mr. Brown was employed in several major markets including Wilmington, N.C., Nashville and Chattanooga, but the last 16 years he co-anchored the news at WMBB in Panama City, Fl. WMBB News Director Tom Lewis said Mr. Brown was committed to his job and to Panama City.  Mr. Lewis said Mr. Brown was a “great mentor to young journalists and will be sorely missed by everyone.”  Mr. Lewis said Mr. Brown has been a leader in broadcast journalism.  

Mr. Brown plans to continue support of two of his favorite charities in north Florida - the Salvation Army and March of Dimes. 

Mr. Brown's final telecast was last Friday. He said he plans to remain in Panama City, may do some traveling, enjoy his wife and two daughters, and just take life easy.  

This writer worked with Jerry Brown for several years at WDOD. I never heard anyone say anything negative about him.  His afternoon program was at the top in radio ratings. Mr. Brown is a Christian gentleman and was very much interested in the community and his audience loved him.  Mr. Brown was involved in several civic projects.  Frankly we hated to see him leave WDOD and radio.

Jerry, I wish you the best in your retirement.  


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