Apr 28, 2025. Home / Manchester, Tennessee / Marketing
Thunder Radio Manchester is more than just a radio station, it’s the lifeline of Coffee County, Tennessee. With a deep-rooted history, dedicated ownership, and a mission to serve the community, it stands as a pillar of local news, sports, and entertainment. Whether it’s keeping residents updated through the latest local news, broadcasting high school sports, or engaging the community through digital media, Thunder Radio embodies the essence of hometown broadcasting.
With comfy rooms at Lx Hotel, you can tune in to Thunder Radio Manchester, TN. The coziness of our plush beds and the latest updates about local news, sports, entertainment, and events are all you need on your trip.
Originally established as WMSR in 1957, Thunder Radio has served Manchester and the surrounding Coffee County area for decades. The station has seen various transformations, but its core mission has remained the same: delivering high-quality local news, sports coverage, and entertainment to the people of Manchester, TN. Over the years, Thunder Radio has grown from a traditional AM/FM station into a dynamic multimedia platform, adapting to the evolving digital landscape.
Thunder Radio is completely owned and operated in the Manchester, Tennessee, region by local married couple Josh and Holly Peterson. Their passion for community-focused broadcasting has cemented Thunder Radio as a household name in the region.
Josh Peterson was born and raised in the New Union community of Coffee County and graduated from Coffee County Central High School in 2004. Before acquiring Thunder Radio in September 2019, he spent 15 years in the newspaper and radio industry. As a dedicated sports enthusiast, Josh also served as a baseball coach at various schools. Today, he is a prominent voice on The Morning Show (6:30-8:30 a.m.) and leads sports broadcasts for Red Raider and Lady Raider athletics. His love for the UT Vols and Atlanta Braves is evident in his energetic sports commentary.
Holly Peterson, often referred to as the "one people like most", moved to Manchester at the age of 12 and graduated from Coffee County Central High School in 2003. After spending over a decade in the healthcare field, she transitioned to radio full-time in January 2020. Like Josh, she co-hosts The Morning Show and plays a significant role in sports photography and media production.
Since purchasing Thunder Radio Manchester, TN, 1320, Josh and Holly have focused on keeping Manchester’s radio traditions alive while modernizing content delivery. They launched Thunder The Magazine, a quarterly publication highlighting local sports, and expanded their digital presence on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok. Their efforts have led to Thunder Radio being named Manchester’s Finest Radio Station for over a decade and winning the Manchester Area Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year award.
Josh and Holly are dedicated to community engagement, both through their station and nonprofit efforts. In 2022, Thunder Radio collaborated with the Dream for Weave Foundation, a nonprofit honoring the late WMSR Sports Director Dennis Weaver. Through this partnership, they launched the Thundie Sports Awards, a red-carpet event recognizing local student-athletes and awarding thousands in scholarships. Since its inception, the event has awarded $75,000+ in scholarships to deserving students.
Their commitment to local businesses is also noteworthy. As business owners themselves, Josh and Holly actively support advertisers and work tirelessly to help local businesses grow through customized promotions and sponsorships.
In January 2025, Thunder Radio’s reach expanded further when the Petersons acquired three additional stations in Southern Middle Tennessee: Rooster 101.5 FM, 93.9 The Duck, and Whiskey Country Radio (105.1 & 95.9 FM). This expansion led to the formation of Peterson Media Group, Inc., further solidifying their influence in local broadcasting.
Beyond Josh and Holly, Thunder Radio has a team of dedicated professionals who help deliver news, sports, and entertainment:
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One of Thunder Radio’s strongest suits is its commitment to local news and sports. Thunder Radio News Manchester, TN, delivers up-to-the-minute updates on local government, school events, and community happenings. The station’s coverage ensures that residents stay informed about what’s happening in Coffee County.
On the sports front, Thunder Radio is synonymous with high school athletics. From play-by-play commentary of Coffee County Red Raider football and basketball to in-depth interviews with coaches and athletes, Thunder Radio is a go-to source for sports enthusiasts in Manchester, TN.
Thunder Radio has embraced the digital age with Thunder1320.com, the station’s official website. Through this platform, listeners can stream live broadcasts, access news updates, and explore podcasts featuring exclusive interviews and local stories. This digital expansion has allowed Thunder Radio to connect with a younger audience while maintaining its loyal listener base.
Thunder Radio Manchester is a community institution dedicated to informing, entertaining, and uplifting Manchester, TN, and surrounding areas. Thanks to the passion and dedication of Josh and Holly Peterson and their team, Thunder Radio continues to thrive in the modern era of broadcasting. Whether through sports coverage, local news, or digital innovation, Thunder Radio remains the heartbeat of Coffee County’s airwaves.
When traveling to Manchester, Tennessee, Thunder Radio keeps you up-to-date with the local news. Similarly, Lx Hotel keeps you warm, safe, and relaxed with luxury all around. So, make sure you reserve your rooms in advance and experience the best of everything.
Yes! Thunder Radio is a major supporter of Coffee County Red Raider and Lady Raider athletics. They broadcast live play-by-play commentary for football, basketball, and other local sports events.
Businesses can contact Josh or Holly Peterson for advertising opportunities. Thunder Radio offers custom ad packages across radio, website, and social media platforms.
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