On July 16, 2019, Carl Lamm officially said goodbye to the radio industry. Now, those who knew Lamm are preparing to say their goodbyes to him.
Lamm died on Thursday following a period of declining health at the age of 97.
With the sale five years ago of WTSB-AM 1090 and FM translator W288DH at 105.5 MHz in Selma, N.C., to the southeast of Raleigh, Lamm formally retired, concluding an incredible 72 years in radio broadcasting.
The sale came one month after Lamm handed day-to-day operations over to the buyer, Truth Broadcasting Corp., via an LMA.
Lamm attended the National Academy of Broadcasting, in 1947, and from there took a job at WCEC-AM in Rocky Mount, N.C.. From 1949-1958, he worked at WCKB-AM in Dunn, N.C. At that time, he became a part-owner and General Manager of WMPM-AM 1270 in Smithfield, N.C.
Fast-forward to 2007, when Lamm and his his son, Mickey, formed Lamm Media Group. That partnership brought WTSB into the fold; WMPM was sold.
As noted by the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters, Lamm dedicated his life and career to radio broadcasting and was affectionately known as the “Voice of Eastern North Carolina” and the “Voice of Johnston County.”
The association notes, “He adhered to a style of radio broadcasting that was popular in the 1950s and 1960s centered around classic country, bluegrass, and gospel music mixed with news, talk, and local interests. He sought to make Johnston County a better place to live by promoting businesses, churches, individuals, and all types of non-profits.”
The NCAB inducted Lamm into its Hall of Fame in 2004.
A private family burial was scheduled for Monday (8/19), following funeral services held on Sunday which were broadcast on WTSB.
