Radio pioneer Norm Protsman dies at 88

Broadcast bluegrass all over the south from right here in Live Oak

By Jeff Waters, Democrat Reporter

In the 50s and early 60s bluegrass was broadcast across the south from old tobacco warehouses in Live Oak thanks to one former resident's love for the music. Norman "Norm" Protsman created the Suwannee River Jamboree and aired it on his former radio station, WNER in Live Oak (now WQHL 98.1). He purchased the station in 1953 after moving to Live Oak from Melbourne in 1950.

Protsman was a staple in the community, serving in many civic clubs including the Rotary for 59 years before relocating to Athens, Ga. with his wife Leone in November 2008. He passed away Sunday, in Athens at about 6 p.m.

Former friend and employee of Protsman Clare Parker remembered him from the days of the Jamboree.

"Norm started bringing the Stanley Brothers to the Jamboree and also some stars out of Nashville," said Parker. "At the Jamboree he did do some emceeing himself, but mostly he made sure the show went on."

"Cousin Clare" Parker was the engineer and announcer for the Jamboree. He worked at the radio station under Protsman from 1951 until 1981.

"I didn't see him as being a boss man," said Parker. "He was also my friend and he will be greatly missed."

Former Live Oak Mayor A.P. "Buddy" Nott ate breakfast with Protsman for several years at a local restaurant. He said Protsman was a straightforward kind of guy.

"You never had to guess where he was coming from," said Nott. "Also his selection for playing music out at the radio station is something to be remembered. He was a good-minded person."

Local realtor Ronnie Poole said Protsman was one to be admired.

"He served a mighty long time in Rotary," said Poole. "Norman was always a good community leader and always a great friend."

Protsman was born near Celina, Ohio in April 1921. He was stationed in England during WWII as a member of the 493rd Bomb Group. In addition to operating the local radio station, Protsman was the proprietor of several other stations, including ones in Madison, Dade City and Winter Haven. He was also past president of the Florida Association of Broadcasters.

Along with Rotary, Protsman was a member of the Suwannee Valley Tourist Development Council, Shriners and a member of the Florida Association of Community Colleges, as well as others. A bell tower was erected in 1992 on the campus of North Florida Community College in Norm and Leone's name.

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