HOT 91’ S HEARTBEAT:
A FACULTY SPOTLIGHT ON MAYNARD SCALES
MAYNARD SCALES( CREDIT MAYNARD SCALES)
BY MAKENZIE MCCLAM
Maynard Scales, General Manager of WNSB Hot 91 and instructor at Norfolk State University, has dedicated his career to the radio industry and to mentoring the next generation of media professionals. His journey from student to station leader reflects both perseverance and passion.
Scales began his college career at Delaware State University, where his social life took priority over academics. Known as“ the life of the party” and“ the class clown,” he and he eventually had to leave school. For the next three years, he worked various jobs“ just for pocket money,” before deciding to take his education seriously.
That decision led him to Norfolk State University but not by a straightforward path. What he describes as a series of coincidences, including a spontaneous trip to Busch Gardens with friends that ended with them getting lost and landing on NSU’ s campus, convinced him it was meant to be.“ This Norfolk State! It must be the place for me,” Scales recalled.
After earning his degree in mass communications, Scales launched his radio career with an internship at 92.1, owned by Bishop Willis. Though WNSB Hot 91 was his first introduction to radio, he chose 92.1 to gain professional experience outside of college. He later joined FM99 106.9 The Fox, where he focused less on the music and more on learning the operations side of the business.
“ It wasn’ t about the music,” he said.“ It was about learning how to be in this business.”
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Scales’ career took him to major markets across the country, including Chicago and Detroit, where he worked for Radio One and managed multiple stations at once. He also served as a consultant for Arbitron, now Nielsen, gaining valuable insight into ratings for television and music. After years away, he returned to Hampton Roads to work in television for the City of Virginia Beach before ultimately coming back to Norfolk State as General Manager of Hot 91.
“ This has always been a part of my gravitational pull,” Scales said.“ Even when I wasn’ t directly at the station, I was still around. I’ ve always been a part of the university, and it’ s always been a part of me.”
Today, Scales not only oversees Hot 91 but also shapes the experiences of students who work there. Many credit him with providing opportunities and mentorship that opened doors in media.
“ It hasn’ t even been a year, and I’ ve done so much since we first met during the WNSB interest meeting,” said one graduate student.“ He saw my passion and said,‘ You’ re gonna come work at the radio station.’”
A senior preparing to graduate echoed that sentiment.“ He’ s a fantastic man, definitely looks out for your best interest and gives you a chance.”
As Scales reflects on his career, he emphasizes both his love for Norfolk State and his commitment to remaining part of its legacy. While retirement is on the horizon, he says he has no plans of leaving anytime soon.
SPARTAN ECHO