Bill Benjamin began his pursuit of wanting to be in radio at the age of 5, when first being exposed to the music of Glen Campbell. By the age of 11, Bill was spending his weekends at the two local radio stations. He would sweep floors or take out trash just to be there. Bill's big break came in 1978, when Beach Music Legendary Disc Jockey Charlie Byrd, owner of WEEW, offered Bill a weekend job. In no time Bill was promoted to Music Director and hosted a weekend radio show. In June of 1981, Bill was offered a job as part of the premier staff of WKJA-FM in Belhaven. With mixed emotions, Bill left WEEW. WKJA went on the air June 1, 1981.

In August of 1982, another opportunity presented itself. Bill went to work part time with WSFL in New Bern, NC. Another radio station went on the air and by December, Bill found himself working full time with WJQI, known as Radio Joy, this station was also in New Bern.

Radio Joy was sold, and Bill went to WNCT-AM/FM in Greenville, N. C. as
over night announcer/operator. It was not what Bill wanted, but it was still a job
in radio. In June of 1983 was a major turning point in Bill's career. He went to
work at WBTE/WDJB in Windsor, N. C. While there, Bill moved into sales and
was promoted to the position of Operations Manager for the stations. Bill credits General Manager Rick Mendelson for taking him under his wing and teaching
him the business of radio. To this day, Bill applies much of what he learned from Rick in his day to day operations. Bill stayed with the stations until 1987.

In 1987, Bill went to work and was General Sales Manager for WRCS/WQDK in Ahoskie, but quickly Bill yearned to be on the air, and in his words, "....the management at these stations don't have a clue!" And left as quickly as he got there. The next opportunity was to present itself with WVOT in Wilson, N. C. Bill was hired to do what he feels best doing, on the air and sales. Bill was afternoon drive host.

From the first day he was in radio, Bill's life dream was to own a station of his own, in 1988, a group of investors asked Bill to head the management team and be part owner of WNOS in New Bern, ironically, WNOS was at one time WJQI, Radio Joy, so in essence, Bill was coming back to an area he was familiar. Negotiations to buy the station fell through and Bill was approached by another station in Orangeburg, S. C.

In January 1989, Bill accepted a position with WDIX/WORG in Orangeburg, also that same month he married Terri Cowan of Windsor, N. C.

In April of the same year, the owners of Wilkes-Posey Broadcasting offered Bill an opportunity to invest in the stations and become part owner. This was a first step for Bill and he felt that he was ready for the chance to begin fulfilling his dream.

In July of 1989, a daughter was born, Lyndsi was the perfect addition to all the things happening that year.

In 1991, the stations were sold and Bill along with George Wilkes and John Pittman, constructed a new station in Florence, S. C. Classy 100.5 went on the air in December 1991.

Bill along with Terri, longed to be back in N. C. and 1992 saw that opportunity, when Career Communications bought WVOT in Wilson, N. C. Bill having worked there before and to have an opportunity to work with Rick Mendelson again and be a partner with him, made the deal all the more appealing.

In December 1993, Bill's first chance to own a station all his own came in the
way of WPNC-AM/FM in Plymouth. The station went on the air in April of 1994.

In 1996 the station went through a format change and became known as MAGIC 96. In April 2001, the station moved into new facilities and renamed itself MAGIC 95.9 due to the usage of digital radios in vehicles now.

June 2003 was Bill's Silver Anniversary in Radio, and still loves it to
this day. Bill credits 5 people to have the biggest impact on his life. His parents, Marie & W. B. Cox, Charlie (Byrd) Carawan, Horace Cowell, Bill's guidance counselor, who first put a microphone in his hand and Casey Kasem, to be the inspiration to make Bill be the best he can be.

Bill is married to the former Carolyn Spruill of Tyrrell County. He has 2 daughters, Lyndsi Durand & Amanda Elizabeth. His cat Weeper and 2 dogs Abby & AJ. Bill is a NC State High School Certified Baseball Umpire.

THINGS YOU DIDN'T CARE TO KNOW
ABOUT BILL BENJAMIN:

Favorite Singer(s): Elton John (male), Karen Carpenter (female)
Favorite Group: Chicago
Favorite TV Show of all time: M*A*S*H
Favorite TV Show on air: E R
Favorite Movie of All Time: Breakfast Club
Favorite Song of All Time: Beginnings by Chicago
Favorite Food: Chick-Fil-A & Pizza
Favorite Car: Corvette
Best Friend: Alan Vick
Loves of His Life: Lyndsi Durand Cox, Carolyn Cox & Amanda McClees
Favortie Radio Station: MAGIC 95.9 THE MUSIC LOVER'S STATION