MANDEVILLE, Manchester — Veteran radio host Arnold Kelly has been appointed General Manager of the NCU Media Group. His appointment, which becomes effective on April 1, 2018, became necessary due to the resignation of Everett Wiles on May 31, 2017.

While at NCU, Kelly was integral in the conversion of the former WIC Radio from an ad-hoc playlist to a full 24-hour, seven-day radio programme format. He was appointed manager of NCU FM Radio when the Group was officially launched in 2010 and was appointed acting General Manager on June 1, 2017 after the resignation of Wiles.

Before joining the NCU team in 2006, Kelly worked at the National Religious Media Commission (LOVE 101) as a producer and presenter from 1994 to 2005. During that period, he hosted and produced Sunday Showcase, one of the station’s biggest earners through sponsorships generated from local and overseas outside broadcasts. He also managed and coordinated programming, including local and overseas outside broadcast activities for Love 101 FM and Love Television.

“Mr Kelly has gone beyond our expectation in leading the NCU Media Group through challenging times to improve islandwide listenership of NCU Radio,” said Dr Meric Walker, chairman of the NCU Media Group. His social and human relational skills has enhanced team spirit among the workers creating a positive platform for the future. It is our prayer that, as he takes up the mantle filled with responsibilities for running the day-to-day operations of the Media Group, God’s blessings will be with him to get the job done.”

As an independent producer/presenter, Kelly developed The Caribbean Hour aired on 12 Caribbean radio stations, which was nominated in the “Best Produced Programme” category (DBS Flamboyant Awards, Dominica 2006) and also hosted Caribbean Breeze — A fpur-hour afternoon show on The Caribbean Gospel (Satellite) network.

Kelly, in his response said: “I am humbled by the board’s decision to trust me with this mammoth task. I am aware that these are challenging times for the industry, but the same God who took us this far is able to see us through.”

A graduate of Cornwall College, among his accomplishments is the President’s Award for outstanding contribution to regional gospel music at the 2010 Caribbean Gospel Music Marlin Awards. He was recognised for outstanding service by the Jamaica Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists during its Recognition and Awards Ceremony held on February 11, 2018.