Longtime broadcaster Bob Labbe has been named Large-Market Radio Personality of the Year in Alabama. The honor came from the Alabama Broadcasters Association during its 20th annual Abby Awards in Birmingham.
Labbe is a familiar voice to many listeners in North Alabama, especially those who tune in to WLRH 89.3 FM in Huntsville. Even after decades in media, he is still doing what he loves most—playing great music, sharing stories, and connecting with his audience every week.
Here are five interesting facts about Bob Labbe and the show that helped make him a standout name in Alabama radio.
1) Bob Labbe has worked in broadcasting for more than 50 years
Bob Labbe’s career in media stretches back 53 years. Now 72, he has built experience across several types of journalism and broadcasting.
Over the years, he has worked in television, newspaper writing, and radio. He also became widely known for his work as a sports reporter for the Madison Record, adding to his long reputation in Alabama media.
2) He has hosted the same WLRH show for 35 straight years
Many radio hosts change stations or time slots throughout their careers. Bob Labbe did something rare: he kept one show going for decades.
Labbe has hosted “Reelin’ In The Years” on WLRH 89.3 FM for 35 years—without breaking the run. The show airs live every Friday night from 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m., a four-hour block that has become a weekly tradition for loyal listeners.
3) The music comes from his personal vinyl record collection—more than 20,000 records
One of the biggest reasons “Reelin’ In The Years” feels different from modern radio is Labbe’s music source.
He plays tracks from his own collection of 20,000+ original 45 rpm vinyl records. The songs span multiple decades, covering music from the 1950s through the 1990s. That massive library allows him to bring listeners deep cuts, classic hits, and memorable songs that aren’t always easy to find on regular playlists.
The show also keeps a traditional, “old-school radio” feel. Along with the music, Labbe shares details about songs and artists, and the program may include listener interaction like giveaways and fun behind-the-scenes facts.
4) He didn’t expect to win the Abby Award
Even with his long resume, Labbe said the award caught him off guard.
The Alabama Broadcasters Association recognized him as Large-Market Radio Personality of the Year, and his win was part of a strong night for WLRH Public Radio, which earned five awards in total.
Labbe has received recognition in the past—especially for work in TV and writing—but he said this radio honor meant the most to him and genuinely surprised him.
5) Hosting a radio show is a dream he’s had since childhood
For Labbe, this isn’t just a job—it’s something he wanted when he was young.
He has shared that, as a kid, he used to “play radio” in his room and imagine himself as a real disc jockey. Years later, he turned that childhood interest into a long-running career—one that now includes one of Alabama broadcasting’s top awards.
With “Reelin’ In The Years” still going strong, his story is a reminder that passion and consistency can build something lasting—especially in local radio, where loyal listeners return week after week for a familiar voice.
