Senior Broadcaster / Messaging Strategist
When it comes to pitch-perfect messaging and production, Mike Bates hits every target. Bringing decades of experience to the Listener Group, Mike’s career spans radio, television, live reporting, and high-profile media production.
Mike began his radio career at age 14 in Virginia and continued through college at an NPR station in Tennessee. Since 1989, he has worked at multiple Florida radio stations, covering formats including Top 40, Country, NPR, and News/Talk—his personal favorite. Over the years, he has interviewed politicians, actors, musicians, military personnel, authors, professors, and sports stars, consistently delivering insightful, engaging coverage.
He has reported on numerous events at The White House, including visits by Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump. In 2016, he was part of the Official White House Press Corps that accompanied President Obama on his historic trip to Havana, Cuba. Notable interviews include Will Chesney, SEAL Team Six, and Lt. Colonel Dick Cole, co-pilot on the historic Doolittle Raid in 1942.
Mike has produced, narrated, and hosted landmark projects including:
- A 20-part “History of the Blue Angels” radio series, flying in both the F/A-18 Hornet and the “Fat Albert” C-130
- The ten-hour Vietnam War documentary “AFVN: The GI’s Companion”, including eleven days of on-site research in Vietnam
- Coverage of the BP Deepwater Horizon disaster from a Coast Guard helicopter in 2010
- Live hurricane reporting from Florida’s Gulf Coast, providing critical emergency updates and post-storm recovery information
On election nights, Mike delivers live vote tallies from the Supervisor of Elections office, and from 2002–2017, he broadcast FSU football games, ACC Championship Games, and the 2014 BCS National Championship at the Rose Bowl.
Beyond broadcasting, Mike has served on numerous nonprofit and advertising boards, including as Government Relations Chairman for the 4th District of the American Advertising Federation, representing Florida and the Caribbean in Tallahassee and Washington. He has won multiple national achievement awards, including the Governor’s Cup Trophy for outstanding volunteer service.
For 25 years, Mike has volunteered with the Florida Panhandle Friends of NRA Committee, promoting gun safety and Second Amendment rights. He was named Florida Volunteer of the Year by the NRA in 1997.
When not covering politics or current events, Mike enjoys sailing, scuba diving, and traveling. He resides in Pensacola with his wife Kimberly.
Mike’s Strengths Include:
- Speech Writing & Delivery
- Focus Group Management
- Messaging & Branding
- Direct Mail & Copywriting
- Crisis Management
- Media Production & Placement
- And more…
Some of Mike’s Notable Interviews (Selected):
- Alex Haley – author of Roots
- Ann Coulter – author
- Bill Kristol – publisher, The Weekly Standard
- Bob Dole – Presidential candidate
- Cher – singer/actress
- Dick Cole – Doolittle Raider, USAAF
- George LeMieux – U.S. Senator
- Harry Belafonte – singer, actor, activist
- Mitt Romney – Presidential candidate
- Nancy Pelosi – Speaker of the U.S. House
- Ron DeSantis – Governor of Florida
- Will Chesney – SEAL Team Six
…and many more political leaders, athletes, entertainers, and military heroes.