Binnie Myles, a longtime fixture in Birmingham’s radio and public relations industries, has died, according to the program director at WAGG Heaven 610 AM.
Myles, 81, hosted a weekly community affairs program on the station called Perspective on the Move.
Vice President of Programming J’Michael said Thursday that he had just learned of her death and did not yet have additional details.
J’Michael said he saw Myles Wednesday when she was recording her show for the upcoming weekend. He said he was shaken by the unexpected news and was working to prepare a tribute to her.
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin was among those to share condolences for Myles:
“Very saddened to hear of the passing of Binnie Myles, one of Birmingham’s most prominent radio personalities and a tenacious civil rights advocate. She used her voice to champion communities that often went unheard and her work in the arts, specifically the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame, left a lasting mark on our city,” Woodfin posted on Facebook.
“We send our love and comfort to her family during this difficult time. Birmingham has lost a champion, but her greatest lesson — using your voice to uplift your community — will continue to live on,” Woodfin added.
Myles was known for her civil rights work and for serving as a communication bridge between the community and local businesses.
She worked with Birmingham radio personalities including Shelley Stewart and nationally syndicated host Tom Joyner.
Myles also played a leadership role at one time with the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame.
Myles worked in public relations for many years, including with the then Birmingham Water Works for several decades, retiring from the utility in 2015.
The circumstances of her death were not immediately available.
This post was edited at 6:33 p.m. to add the statement from Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin.
