A family-owned business is more than a commercial venture — it’s a product of tradition, community and memories made with loved ones.
This is true for WTLS and the Tallassee Times, a radio station and newspaper business that first got its start in 1954. Seven decades later, the business was named Business of the Year by the Tallassee Chamber of Commerce.
Owner Michael Butler said his grandfather Ned first put WTLS on the air to keep Tallassee locals in the know through radio. Throughout its existence, the radio station has been managed by the Butler family.
“This is the third-generation at the radio station,” Michael said. “My dad worked here, my wife and I work here and our children are involved in it.”
Since the beginning, the goal of the radio station was to serve the Tallassee community through radio and community involvement. From sports to local events, WTLS covers all things Tallassee.
“We are a local station that continues to serve the community,” Michael said. “We’ve done that for 70 years, and we’ve done a local morning show for 25 years, which I still do today. We do Tallassee sports — we do football, baseball and other sports too. We’ve done every football game in some capacity since we came on the air 70 years ago. Back then we recorded it and played it back on Saturday mornings; we didn’t do it live because the station was a daytime only station.”
Since Michael has taken ownership, the radio station has become a 24-hour station and included various forms of media such as podcasts, websites and video.
Despite the continuous changes in the radio industry, Michael adapts to continue serving the Tallassee community.
“Things have changed in this business,” Michael said. “I would say the Genesis of everything is still the same though — to serve this community, which we’ve been able to do with great people in our service area.”
WTLS covers primarily Tallassee; however, it does cover some areas around Lake Martin, Montgomery and Pike Road.
Although honored to receive this award, this award is more than just a prize for Michael.
“My father just passed away this past January,” Michael said. “I wish he could have been here to see WTLS win the award, but I feel like this award went to him. I would like to attribute to him for what he’s done and been part of.”
Michael plans to continue the family tradition at WTLS; his son does a radio show during football season, and he has played music for the radio in the past.
Because the radio station has always been part of Michael’s life, he is especially grateful WTLS received this award.
