SAVANNAH, GA — For 36 years, he was an omnipresent figure at a Classic Rock station serving Georgia’s Coastal Empire. Before that, he enjoyed a stint at the former Rock 40 WSHE-FM 103.5, both in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale market.
Now, the radio industry is mourning over the loss of Don Scott, who has succumbed to the COVID-19 coronavirus. He was 65 years old.
Scott served as the Program Director and afternoon host at “The Rock of Savannah,” Cumulus Media-owned WIXV-FM “I-95,” and had been with the station since its birth under its current branding in 1986. He became a member of the Cumulus family with its purchase of WIXV in 1998 from local owners.
Prior to his tenure at I-95, Scott was based seven hours south of Savannah via Interstate 95 in Miami. There, he was linked to a hit-driven Rocker, WSHE-FM, which was a market leader until new competition arrived following Scott’s exit from the station. Before moving to WIXV, Scott was associated with WPOW, which had just transitioned from WCJX and was preparing its shift from 96.3 MHz to 96.5 MHz. The station today is “Power 96.”
Throughout his years with I-95, Scott supported community initiatives that improved the quality of life for people in the area.
“Rock and Roll in Savannah has lost an Icon,” said Cumulus RVP/Market Manager Eric Mastel. “I met Don 10 years ago when I moved to Savannah. In that time, I learned Don’s passion for his family, friends and career was exceptional. He went above and beyond in so many instances, I couldn’t begin to list them all. Whether he was helping to raise funds for charity, hosting a concert or simply executing a client remote, he left nothing on the bench. All in – all the time. I came to rely heavily on Don’s expertise and advice over that past decade. He will be greatly missed by me, his co-workers and his fans.”
In recognition of his tenure at I-95, the Cumulus station will air a tribute show on Friday at 5pm, repeating on Saturday at 3pm and Sunday at Noon.
The station is also preparing a tribute/fundraiser event in November with proceeds going to Scott’s family. Details for that event are forthcoming.
