Four Decades of Service: A Conversation with Geniece Granville on 40 Years of Davis Broadcasting, Inc. in the Chattahoochee Valley

From music and news to political forums, community outreach, and emergency information, the stations have become part of the daily rhythm of life throughout Columbus, Phenix City, Fort Benning, and surrounding communities.

Today, the company continues that legacy under the leadership of Vice President and General Manager Geniece Granville, whose vision combines honoring the station's history while preparing it for the future.

In this week's Sunday Conversation, Granville reflects on Davis Broadcasting's first 40 years, the responsibility of serving the community, and where the company is headed next.

Courier: Forty years is an incredible milestone. What does this anniversary mean to you personally and professionally?

Granville: Personally it represents God’s blessings! Davis Broadcasting is a testament to God’s grace, mercy and purpose. We have had some difficult times, like all business, however, we have also had some truly inspiring times where our purpose served as foundation for our employees internally and also demonstrated impact externally in the communities we serve.

Professionally it means responsibility. Forty years represents trust that has been earned one listener, one advertiser, one community partnership at a time. Personally, I'm honored to be part of a company with such a rich legacy. Professionally, it reminds us that longevity doesn't happen by accident. It happens because you remain committed to serving people. That's exactly what Davis Broadcasting has done for four decades.

Courier: What do you believe has been the secret to Davis Broadcasting's success?

Granville: We understand that people come first and that if we are not serving them, they won’t support us. I don’t think there is a secret sauce, but the willingness to put in the work to move forward has been important. With every obstacle overcome, we move forward. Also, a true appreciation for people in all we do has helped us sustain. We work with steady growth and recognize the value of the communities we serve.

Courier: Davis Broadcasting has always maintained a strong community presence. Why has that remained so important?

Granville: Because that's who WE are. Our founders Greg and Cheryl Davis were first teachers, church directors, givers, and very hard workers. The Company was built with an understanding we are not just driven by the bottom line, but we are driven by everyday people. We've always understood that we're more than just radio stations. We're part of the community. Our listeners aren't just an audience—they're our neighbors, our churches, our schools, our businesses and our families. When the community succeeds, we succeed. That philosophy has guided us from the beginning.

We don't just report on the community—we participate in it. Whether it's supporting nonprofits, promoting health initiatives, broadcasting local elections, helping during disasters, recognizing students, or celebrating local achievements, we've always believed our responsibility extends far beyond the microphone.

Courier: Your stations have become known for giving local voices an opportunity to be heard.

Granville: Local voices matter. National stories are important, but people also want to know what's happening in their own neighborhoods. They want to hear from local pastors, elected officials, entrepreneurs, educators, and everyday citizens. We've intentionally created programming that allows those conversations to happen.

Courier: The stations have also played an important role in local politics and civic engagement.

Granville: Absolutely. An informed community is an empowered community. We've provided forums, interviews, debates, election coverage, and opportunities for candidates to speak directly to voters. Our goal has never been to tell people how to vote. Our goal is to make sure they have the information they need to make informed decisions.

Courier: Davis Broadcasting has weathered enormous changes in media over the past four decades. How has the company stayed relevant?

Granville: We're evolving. Radio today isn't just about the AM and FM dial. It's digital streaming, mobile apps, social media, podcasts, video, websites, and on-demand content. Our listeners consume and engage with media differently than they did 40 years ago, and we continue to try and adapt while never losing what makes radio special—the personal local connection.

Courier: What role does local radio still play in an age dominated by social media?

Granville: Credibility and local relevance. During emergencies, severe weather, elections, community crises, and important local events, people still turn to trusted local radio. Social media can spread information quickly, but it can also spread misinformation. Our responsibility is to verify facts and provide accurate information people can depend on. It is still important to talk about what matters to our local listening communities. We must shine a light on those local resources, stories, perspectives, and events that may never go viral on social media but go right to the heart of our communities.

Courier: Davis Broadcasting has long supported Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs. Why is that important?

Granville: We are proud to support black-owned businesses that, like us, often see their work as supporting not only their own bottom line but also a drive to lift as they climb and show up for the entire community. Most black-owned businesses in this community are small businesses. Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy. When local businesses grow, jobs are created, families benefit, and communities become stronger. Their success contributes to the success of the entire region. In addition to the challenges small businesses face in scaling, evolving, and driving revenue, some black-owned businesses face additional struggles, including inequitable financing and the often difficult task of proving their worth and value. Unfortunately, some customers and clients, not all, will not patronize black businesses at a fair market price. As a black-owned business ourselves, we still face those challenges and appreciate those struggles. So yes, it’s important that we meet our businesses where they are and design a plan to support their growth. 

Courier: Leadership often means preparing the next generation. How important is mentorship within the company?

Granville: It's essential. We want young broadcasters, producers, sales professionals, and media creators to see opportunities in this industry. We invest in developing talent because someone invested in us. That's how strong organizations continue to grow.

Courier: Technology continues to change rapidly. What opportunities do you see ahead?

Granville: The opportunities are still numerous. Digital content creation, podcasting, video production, and multimedia storytelling are opening doors we couldn't have imagined years ago. We're embracing innovation while staying committed to authentic local programming.  Technology should strengthen relationships—not replace them.

Courier: Davis Broadcasting has partnered with numerous organizations throughout the years. How valuable are those partnerships?

Granville: Partnerships allow us to multiply our impact. Whether we're working with schools, civic organizations, healthcare providers, churches, nonprofits, or media partners, collaboration helps us serve the community more effectively. Together, we can accomplish far more than any one organization working alone. We have future projects that focus on improving infrastructure for information distribution and on showcasing the talented, caring, and impactful people and organizations in this community.

Courier: What message would you like to share with the listeners who have supported Davis Broadcasting for four decades?

Granville: Thank you. Thank you for allowing us into your homes, your cars, your workplaces, and your lives every day. Thank you for trusting us. Thank you for supporting our advertisers and believing in local radio. Thank you, advertisers, for valuing our listeners and their buying power. This anniversary belongs to the entire community because you've been part of every chapter of our story. To celebrate our 40th anniversary, we are planning 40 days of service by June of next year as a thank-you to both our Atlanta and Columbus communities that have supported us throughout.

Courier: Finally, what's next for Davis Broadcasting?

Granville: The next chapter focuses on building on our foundation while embracing the future. We'll continue to invest responsibly in technology, expand our digital presence, strengthen community partnerships, develop new talent, and deliver the local content our listeners value. Our mission remains the same as it was 40 years ago—to inform, inspire, entertain, and serve the people of the Chattahoochee Valley. We will move forward together.

 Closing Thoughts: For four decades, Davis Broadcasting has proven that great radio is about far more than music and microphones. It is about relationships, trust, and service.

As the company celebrates its 40th anniversary, its greatest accomplishment may not be the number of years it has been on the air, but the countless lives it has touched along the way.

And if Geniece Granville's vision is any indication, the next 40 years promise to be just as impactful as the first.