Athens News Matters

Athens News Matters for February 18, 2022

By Martin Matheny,

Published February 18, 2022 at 3:55 PM EST

Athens News Matters

This week on Athens News Matters, plans for the redevelopment of the Georgia Square Mall head back to the builder for revisions - Sofi Gratas gives us an update on these plans. ACC District 2 Commissioner Mariah Parker joins the team to talk about the issues and ideals that fuel their art and their work. Local county elections boards remain in the spotlight. GPB's Stephen Fowler has the story on what that spotlight reveals. UGA's Contemporary Chamber Ensemble brings the works of today's classical composers to the stage in their upcoming performance. A story on the Georgia native designer Frankie Welch and her iconic legacy in the fashion industry. Our panel discusses an eventful week in news and politics.

Athens News Matters

Martin Matheny

Martin Matheny was formerly WUGA's Program Director and a host and producer of our local news program 'Athens News Matters.' He started at WUGA in 2012 as a part-time classical music host and still hosts WUGA's longest-running local program 'Night Music' which was heard on WUGA and GPB Classical. He is now the Morning Edition Host for Delaware First Media.

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Alexia Ridley

Alexia Ridley joined WUGA as Television and Radio News Anchor and Reporter in 2013. When WUGA TV concluded operations, she became the primary Reporter for WUGA Radio. Alexia came to Athens from Macon where she served as the News Director and show host for WGXA TV. She's a career journalist and Savannah native hailing from the University of Michigan. However, Alexia considers herself an honorary UGA DAWG!

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Chris Shupe

Chris Shupe was the Program Director of WUGA from 2014-2022. Shupe may be best known as The Athens King, a tribute to Elvis Presley, which often included an 8 piece show band! After two years as a part-time announcer, Chris Shupe joined WUGA full time as the station’s Morning Edition Host and Assistant Operations Director. He was later promoted to PD in 2014.

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