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WQYK Radio Gets National Moment At CMA Awards

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By WALT BELCHER | The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 13, 2008

Updated: 11/13/2008 11:33 am

TAMPA - WQYK, 99.5 FM, personalities Dave McKay and Randy Price got their moment in the national spotlight Wednesday at the 42nd annual Country Music Association Awards in Nashville.

The afternoon drive-time duo was named the CMA major market broadcast personalities of the year, and WQYK was named major market station of the year.

"I've been coming to this event since 1987, but this time it was amazing because when you win, you see it through a whole new perspective," says Price, who is returning to Tampa today.

Price and McKay have been broadcasting from Nashville all week.

"Really, we have to thank the whole support team at WQYK who make Randy and Dave look good," Price says. "We have a management that lets us loose to do our thing and trusts us not to burn the place down."

WQYK operations manager Mike Culotta says being honored by the country music industry validates the effort the station has made to connection with the fans. "It's a team effort that works," he says.

As for Price and McKay, he says both were talented on their own, but together they make a great team.

"They have a passion for their work," he adds. "It's not just a job. They are having a good time, and it shows."

The awards were announced to the radio industry in early October and presented at a nontelevised ceremony. The winners were acknowledged during ABC's national telecast of the CMA Awards on Wednesday.

Price, 58, has been with WQYK for more than 25 years, McKay, 46, has been co-hosting the afternoon shift since 1996.

"The Randy and Dave Show" airs from 3 to 6 p.m. weekdays.

The CMA Broadcast Awards are considered among the most prestigious given in country radio. The judging process involves more than 40 broadcasting professionals representing all market sizes and regions of the United States.

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