Metro Radio Host Still Energized As Ever After More Than 30 Years On The Air

It's been over 30 years but a metro radio DJ is still having the time of his life. He's also doing it without the conveniences many of us find it hard to live without.

Monday, May 31st 2021, 5:21 pm

By: Mike Glover

OKLAHOMA CITY -

Sterling Mitchell has been having fun and uplifting his audience with gospel music from 6-9 a.m. every Saturday morning on KTLV-AM 1220 for more than 30 years.

Mitchell’s love for radio started as a child.

“I asked my dad one day, ‘How do people get inside the radio?’” Mitchell recalled.

His dad’s response to him: “One day, you’re gonna find out.”

Mitchell eventually learned the obvious answer to his childhood question.

“They walk through the door, into the control room,” Mitchell said.

However, it was that curiosity that led to a career in radio broadcasting. Mitchell got his start at KFJL radio Oklahoma City back in 1975. From there, he moved on to KAEZ in Oklahoma City, until the station was sold.

Back in those days, if you wanted to get a job at a radio station, Mitchell said you had to take a test to get a broadcast license.

“The FCC did not allow you to be on air without one,” Mitchell said.

He failed the test multiple times before finally passing the dreaded section nine portion of the exam.

Mitchell continues to bring the energy every Saturday morning, playing gospel music and through audience interaction.

At this station, however, there is no internet of wi-fi, things most people depend on every day.

However, Mitchell comes in every Saturday morning, armed with the local newspapers, a ton of cd’s and, of course, his morning coffee.

Mitchell even does live commercials from business cards and announcements from flyers.

He remains to have an affinity for the way radio used to be done.

“I’m still old school,” Mitchell said. “I come in packing my music, and I like it like that.”

It hasn’t always been a smooth ride for him. Mitchell has survived a cancer diagnosis, two heart attacks and a stroke.

“But look at me. Don’t I look good?” Mitchell said with a smile.

Mitchell seems to have found his purpose and joy in radio, which has allowed him to keep going on the air.

“I keep saying that I’m gonna stop next year, and then I’m gonna stop next year, but I think I’m gonna stop when the Lord tells me,” Mitchell said. “That’s it.”

Mitchell, 69, also serves as the pastor Amos Memorial CME church on Northeast 18th and Lottie in Oklahoma City.