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No Regrets

Hank Bonecutter

That day I had been planning and hoping for;  That day I could finally say “I don’t have to do this anymore.” That day came yesterday as the new ownership of WJZM radio decided it was time we “part ways.”  I was relieved.   I thought the meeting was for something more serious.

First and foremost, I want to thank Mike Parchman, Dave Loos Jr and Greg Walker for buying my radio station. I had been ready to leave a couple of years ago, with no prospects in sight. They really did me a huge favor by making me an enormous offer that I couldn’t refuse.

Hank Bonecutter
Hank Bonecutter

Mike and I along with Jerry Baldwin bought WJZM in 1994, and have been friends ever since. Those two really gave me the opportunity to see just what I could make of a radio station that was at it’s lowest point in it’s history, and I delivered. I brought advertisers back, and I brought listeners back. I worked my ass off. So, I’m not disappointed at them for their decision. I applaud them for doing what’s best for their radio station, because that’s what they’ve got to do.

I’m excited at all of the outpouring of appreciation from my listeners and customers alike, who really appreciated the work I was doing, and made “The Bone Show” a part of their lives. I never took it for granted that each and every one of you brought ME into your lives and expected me to inform and entertain you. I think I did a great job.

I was always after the truth, and to give those who needed it, the opportunity to tell their story.  When you spend your time in that arena, you’re definitely going to piss some people off.  Those were the ones who needed me to pay them some extra special attention.  But I did it for the community.  For the listener.  Clarksville needed a solid, no nonsense talk show host who could get to the truth, no matter who didn’t like it, and I walked that tightrope for 18 years in Clarksville.

I understand how the political winds blow in this town. I didn’t just roll into town.

WJZM Radio has a unique relationship with this community. I started there in 1973, and after bouncing around for twenty years, I was fortunate to own it in 1994. What a blessing! It allowed me to do what I love best, while raising a young family. It offered me the opportunity to stretch my abilities and see just how good I could become. I did great. I have no regrets.

Oh, I made plenty of mistakes. I’m human. But all in all, we did great work covering events like the tornado, the ice storm, the flood. I was first on the scene breaking the story of a killer who had just killed the Baskin Robbins employees.  Clarksville always knew that I would get it right and they could depend on me. It was an honor to have that kind of trust from all of you.

To my advertisers. You guys were the key to my success. You put your money where MY mouth was and we made it work for both of us. We had a special relationship that went beyond the business of advertising. You know you could trust me to do you right, and to follow through with my promise. I am forever grateful to all of you.

To all of my interview subjects. You knew I was going to be tough on you, but if you survived the interview, you were the winner. I was honest, fair and to the point. I asked the questions that the general public never had the chance to ask. I played this political game that we have in this community better than anyone ever could, and while that style may have ultimately caused my premature retirement, I am proud of what I accomplished and wouldn’t have done anything different.

I’ve certainly rubbed a lot of people the wrong way over the years, and I know at this moment they’re jumping for joy at this news. It’s you that I still have my eye on, and will continue to hold you accountable on a daily basis. I’m not going anywhere. I’m too vested in this community. People still depend on me for the truth. So don’t get too excited about my “firing” because you’re next mistake is the one I will be happy to cover.

Lastly, I want WJZM to be a vital part of the Clarksville community. The new ownership group are all good friends of mine, and this decision was difficult for them, even though I probably made it easier on them lately. I have the utmost respect for all three guys running this show now, and I will do whatever I can to help them succeed. I laid it all on the line during my career, I didn’t cut corners, and I never compromised the task at hand. I hold my head high, and look forward to where God has me working next.

So let me take this opportunity to thank all of you for your support and encouragement.  I couldn’t have done it without you.

See Ya!

Hank Bonecutter
Hank Bonecutterhttp://www.clarksvillesmotorcycle.com/
Hank Bonecutter is a retired broadcaster and media consultant based in Clarksville, Tennessee. His career includes stints at WKDA/WKDF and WKQB Rock 106FM, WLAC-AM in Nashville. He concluded his career as owner/talk show host at WJZM-AM in Clarksville. Currently the President of Bonehead Promotions, he's an advertising consultant and media strategist. An avid motorcyclist, Hank blogs about his travels exclusively at www.clarksvillemotorcycle.com and www.clarksvilleonline.com You can follow Hank on on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/dodgintheroadkill/, on Twitter at https://twitter.com/?lang=en, and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dodgetheroadkill/?hl=en  
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1 COMMENT

  1. Hank, You will be missed by all of us who sought the truth and found it in your words. Hank has an artful way of bringing the truth out of people, and into the light even if they don’t want to share. Looking forward to different venues to experience more of Hank’s honesty and straight forward approach to delivering us the most current scoop of the day.

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