THE STRICKLAND SHOW

June 22, 2026 marked 30 years in radio broadcasting for Josh Strickland. His first job was the weekend overnight shift at 1470 WFNT in Flint Michigan. His three decade career has taken him to all corners of the mitten state, as well as to Indiana, Kentucky, Illinois, North Carolina and Georgia.

Josh Strickland is the Operations Manager for 99.3 WATZ and 105.7 The Bird (WZTK). WATZ was the first commercial radio station in Alpena Michigan. The station signed on in 1946 and celebrates serving Northeast Michigan for 80 years. The station remains owned by the same family that signed it on all those years ago.

After more than five years broadcasting in tribute to Shiawassee County's first FM radio station, on September 7th 2026, Shiawassee Radio rebranded as MZX, playing the Best Hits of the 80s and 90s along with favorites from the 60s and 70s. Josh Strickland owns and operates MZX and UP.

UP - THE STREAM launched on January 25, 2026, playing Today's Christian Music. Josh Strickland owns and operates MZX and UP.

In 2012, Josh Strickland launched DurandNow.com. Since that time, Durand Now LLC has grown into a network of local news websites, streaming radio stations, podcasts and a direct-to-inbox newspaper, reaching thousands of people throughout Shiawassee County and beyond, each week.

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THE STRICKLAND SHOW

WATZ Celebrates 80 Years