Award-winning local radio personality Brent Johnson has joined 93.1 The Lake as program director and morning show host.

Johnson, who will make his on-air debut Jan. 2, at 6 a.m., has spent most of his 40-year radio career in the Columbia market, where he’s built a track record of broadcasting excellence and community service.

Midlands Media Group, LLC, led by Columbia residents Kirk Litton and Keith Stover, recently purchased WZMJ, 93.1 The Lake and introduced a format focused on all-time favorites from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. The format features music from the Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, John Mellencamp and U2 to Matchbox Twenty, Maroon Five and Columbia’s own Hootie & The Blowfish.

Stover, managing partner of Midlands Media Group, said: “We’re excited to welcome an award-winning on-air personality with a huge, loyal following to our team. Brent has been a fixture in the Columbia community for many years. He’s a beloved, house-hold name with our listeners. In addition to his on-air talent, his programming expertise and knowledge of the market is a terrific asset for The Lake.”

Johnson most recently served as operations manager for five stations in Columbia, where he’s been a morning personality for 27 years and host of a daily sports-talk show for 11 years. He has won the prestigious National Association of Broadcasters Marconi Award, was the youngest ever on-air inductee into the South Carolina Broadcaster’s Association Hall of Fame and was selected for the 2018 South Carolina Broadcasters Association Merit Award for “Radio Sportscaster of the Year.” In addition to his professional honors and recognition, Johnson has served in numerous charitable and community service roles, such as founder and producer of the annual Radiothon for Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital; spokesman for Oliver Gospel Mission Homeless Shelter & Thrift Store; and a popular public speaker, emcee and singer/musician. A resident of Lexington, Johnson and his wife, Leigh, have two sons and one daughter.

“I am thrilled to be joining the locally owned team at 93.1 The Lake, which gives me a fresh start to do a live and local morning show again. January can’t come soon enough” remarked Johnson.

Litton, executive managing partner of Midlands Media Group, said: “Since forming Midlands Media just two years ago when we acquired WWNQ 94.3 The Dude (www.943thedude.com), we have continued to invest in our home market and the addition of 93.1 The Lake and Brent Johnson demonstrates our ongoing commitment. We want to thank our local sponsors and listeners for making this latest expansion possible.”

With headquarters in the downtown Vista district of Columbia, S.C., Midlands Media Group, LLC owns and operates WWNQ 94.3 The Dude, digital newspaper Cola Daily (coladaily.com), FIZZ Radio, an online adult alternative radio station (SodaCityFizz.com), the e-commerce site ColaDailyDeals (www.coladailydeals.com), and WZMJ 93.1 The Lake. The company is focused on helping to build a stronger local community by providing entertainment and news in compelling formats.