news hosts
Steve Goss : Host, Morning Edition
Steve Goss was first allowed inside a radio station when he interned as a writer and producer for Atlanta News/Talk station WGST. When he was hired by sister station, WPCH (“Peach”), he embarked on a broadcasting career that few in Atlanta have matched. Recently, Steve’s 25+ year tenure on the air and extensive community service was recognized with a “Lifetime Achievement Award” presented by Atlanta Achievement in Radio and the March of Dimes.
Steve is a familiar face around Atlanta, too, as a volunteer for numerous charitable events and fundraisers, and as a sought after Master of Ceremonies at social functions. A graduate of Emory University (M.A., 1976), Steve has received several awards for broadcast journalism, including the Ohio State Award and United Press International’s “Best Radio Feature” prize for his “Peach of a City” series. In 1987 he was named an “Outstanding Georgia Citizen” by the office of the Secretary of State.
Steve enjoys baseball, running..and gardening. He lives in Stone Mountain with his wife, Karen; they have 2 sons—Corey and Garrett.
John Lemley : Assistant Program Director; host of City Cafe, Afternoon Classics and Tapestry
Each weekday at noon, John Lemley serves Atlanta “a plateful of classics and a variety of sides” on City Café. No novice to classical music, John selects the perfect blend of classical music, arts and culture during the one hour show. City Cafe is also the lunchtime place for NPR and BBC headlines, local commentary and the latest in what’s happening in and around Atlanta. Following City Café, John offers a hearty helping of Afternoon Classics from 1 to 3 pm with classical music, NPR news, weather, traffic and the Stargazer’s Journal. Weekdays with John are simply an oasis in the middle of your busy workday.
He is a Musical Theatre Performance graduate of Birmingham-Southern College. The Oneonta, Alabama native joined the staff of Public Broadcasting Atlanta in June 1997 after serving for five years as music director and afternoon classical music/news host at WBHM, Birmingham’s public radio station.
John lives in Decatur with his partner, Mike. They have two cats, Tillie and Lexie, and a dog, Jeffrey. John spends his free time researching the many branches of his family tree and also enjoys cookery. Although he doesn’t really cook, he loves collecting cookbooks and watching cooking programs on TV. Since meeting Mike, a classically-trained chef, he’s also had the chance to serve as sous chef, a position he holds only when at home.
Denis O’Hayer: host of The World, All Things Considered and Marketplace
The World, All Things Considered and Marketplace are locally hosted by broadcast veteran Denis O’Hayer. Prior to working at WABE, Denis covered local affairs, politics and government for 11 years as a political reporter for WXIA/11Alive. As ATC host, he brings with him the same keen eye for news and information. ATC offers listeners up-to-date traffic reports, weather updates, and provides three expanded Atlanta-based news reports each hour.
O’Hayer began his broadcast career in radio in Connecticut in 1976 at WGCH-AM followed by WELI-AM. In 1978, his career led him to Atlanta where he accepted a position with WGST-AM/FM. O’Hayer worked at the station for more than 19 years in a variety of roles. Through the years, O’Hayer has hosted several news and public affairs programs including Midday and Lifestyle, two magazine shows; Counterpoint with Tom Houck and Dick Williams; Cover Your Assets, a consumer-oriented show; Lawn & Garden; The Home Show; The Law Show; and Thirty ‘til Six, an afternoon drive news block with Bob Coxe. From 1991-1997, O’Hayer hosted Sixty at Six, a daily, one hour news and interview program. His broadcast career also includes on-air work with CNN’s Southeast Bureau and Georgia Public Broadcasting.
Valerie Richardson Jackson : Literary reviewer and host, Between the Lines
Valerie Richardson Jackson is the host of WABE’s Between the Lines. She has interviewed a wide array of today’s literary, political and social leaders including Sidney Poitier, former president Jimmy Carter, Cornell West, Ayanla Vanzant, Alan Dershowitz and many, many more. During her eight years as First Lady of Atlanta, Mrs. Jackson served as Special Advisor to the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Economic Development, representing our fine city around the world. Her extensive service as ambassador includes helping to bring the 1988 Democratic National Convention and a successful bid for the 1996 Olympic Games to Atlanta. Today, Mrs. Jackson serves various communities as a motivational speaker and continues working with many civic boards and organizations including: The Maynard Jackson Youth Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, Leadership Atlanta and the Northwest Georgia Girl Scout Council to name a few.
