WBHM has been providing the people of Birmingham essential news and updates on a city, state, national, and international level since the UAB-licensed station first aired in December 1976. We recently asked one of WBHM’s Local Government & Communities Reporter, Cody Short, some questions to learn a little more about herself and the station. Check them out below!
Did you always envision yourself on the radio? How did you end up at WBHM?
I always knew I wanted to work in broadcasting, but I wasn't sure in which medium. I was an intern at 95.7 JAMZ in 2014, and that's when I fell in love with radio and audio production. I ended up at WBHM because I attended one of their events in 2018 and later formed a relationship with the former News Director, GiGi Douban. We kept in contact, and when the position for a local government and communities reporter opened, she encouraged me to apply! Months later, I was hired in the position.
You grew up in Birmingham and returned to the city to cover local government and communities. What does the Magic City mean to you and how important is it to share these stories?
Birmingham means the world to me. I am who I am because of Birmingham. I truly believe telling the stories of people in the community should always be heard, especially the voices of Black Birmingham. As the city changes and other media entities focus on the city's growth, they tend to overlook the people who have contributed the most, Black people.
How do you typically approach a story? How do you ensure you stay connected with the community to make telling these stories easier?
I don't believe there is an "easy" way to approach a story. However, I'm constantly trying to find ways to build relationships with people across all communities by attending events, reaching out to people via social media, and utilizing my current network of contacts. I'm also constantly asking myself "What hasn't been discussed?" or "What hasn't been explored?" that can cause for a broader discussion.
How much of an impact do you feel WBHM and NPR have on informing local audiences on news in their community?
Well WBHM is an NPR member station. What that means is we pay to air NPR's programming. We also look to NPR's journalistic standards and ethics as a guide for our own work. I believe NPR does a good job of covering national/global news and highlighting local news stories that are really impacting a community. As far as WBHM, I believe we do a great job at telling the stories or bringing perspectives that most people aren't aware of. Personally, in my role, it's my mission to bring a broader audience to WBHM and bring the current audience to learn about a broader Birmingham with the stories I tell.
What are a couple Birmingham-related stories you've covered that you feel truly capture the city's heart?
There are three stories I enjoyed putting together: "With A Crowded Field For Mayor, Birmingham Voters Weigh In On City’s Future", "Birmingham Residents Clear Their Traffic Records Quickly With Rocket Docket", "Logan The Entertainer: Good Food and Good Music". I like those stories the most because I had an opportunity to see first hand how our local court system works, mayoral election season in Birmingham is always the biggest conversation in the city, and if you don't know who Logan The Entertainer is... this is the perfect introduction!
What are some of your favorite things about this city? Places to eat?
I love the culture that exists in the city. From The Magic City Classic to The Historic 4th Avenue District to Karaoke Mondays with Rickey Smiley to random nights at Plum Bar to hanging out on the eastside with my family. Some of my favorite places to eat in the city are Taziki's, Green Acres, and Jake's Soul Food.
As the reader can hopefully see, Cody’s love of journalism is only matched by her love for the Magic City. We’re thankful that she and WBHM are here to highlight and uplift its messages!
Lead Photo: Cody Short
