WIBH is a visit we always look forward to, and this one was no exception! Last “year” (December, 2025), the UCCEO team had the pleasure of spending a wonderful morning with Moury Bass and his wife, Nancy, at WIBH Radio and The Tuxedo Station.
Owned by Moury and Ron Ellis, WIBH has been a trusted source of news, sports, music, and community information for nearly three decades. The station is housed in a building rich with local history—it was once home to Bass’ Distinctive Women’s Apparel, a beloved Main Street business opened by Moury’s parents after his father moved to Anna in 1950. Moury managed the clothing store for several years before changing retail trends led him down a new path.
In the late 1990s, Ron Ellis approached Moury with the idea of getting into radio. With no prior experience, the two decided to take a leap of faith—and Almost 3 decades later, WIBH is still going strong. It was inspiring to hear this story of adaptability, entrepreneurship, and commitment to community.
After sharing a delicious breakfast and some history with us, Moury and Nancy gave us a tour of the station. We enjoyed seeing photos from throughout the years and even spotted pieces from the original clothing store still being used today—including the customer service counter and chairs that now live on in the studio.
The highlight of the visit was watching “MixMaster Moury” in action as he prepared a live newscast. From reading the news and obituaries to mixing music, sound effects, sports updates, commercials, and carefully timing each segment, we saw firsthand how precise and detailed radio broadcasting truly is. There is very little room for error, and it was fascinating—and fun—to watch Moury seamlessly pull it all together. We may have the chance to record a few things ourselves, so be listening for UCCEO voices during upcoming AJ Wildcats baseball and softball broadcasts!
In addition to WIBH, Moury and Nancy also operate The Tuxedo Station in the same building. This valued local business has helped dress countless students and community members for proms, weddings, and other special occasions. Their focus on accuracy, customer service, and flexible scheduling—especially around school and sports commitments—reflects the same care and dedication they bring to everything they do.
WIBH has long been known as the “Voice of the Wildcats,” broadcasting games for Anna-Jonesboro, Vienna, and Cobden, and supporting both boys’ and girls’ teams. Moury’s love for sports and commitment to local schools shines through in every broadcast.
The AJ Wildcats senior, Jay Althoff, shares her reflections on this visit:
“On Wednesday, December 3rd, the Union County CEO group went to WIBH radio station to talk with Moury and Nancy Bass. This visit was incredibly interesting, as I have always seen the signs for WIBH; however, I never truly knew what it was. I also grew up hearing the radio explain our local sports games through my uncle’s truck, though I had never realized what channel it was. Getting to visit WIBH allowed me to connect those dots, and it gave me a newfound respect for the people in our community who put their all into giving back to those around them.
Watching Moury create his radio broadcast was also incredibly interesting, especially as someone who is very interested in sound systems.
One thing this visit left me thinking about, is the way many people in our community take for granted the amazing opportunities our small town offers, despite how few people we have and how small we are. With both Nancy and Moury, I begin to wonder what is going to happen when they retire. Our community has had them for so long that it’s almost impossible to imagine it without them. However, it is uncertain if anyone is actively being trained to take over those roles should the older members have to retire or resign.
Overall, this visit was very interesting and left me with a newfound gratitude for our radio workers and for those within the community who put their all in and expect nothing back.”
Thank you, Moury and Nancy, for your time, hospitality, knowledge, and unwavering support of our schools and community. We truly appreciate all you do.
WIBH rocks! 🎙️💙
