Opportunities expand for Marianna TV hosts

Two Marianna residents, Stacey Mayo and Ben Odom have recently expanded their morning variety show, “The Stacey Mayo Show,” and are now reaching nearly 5 million households in the Panhandle every weekday morning between 6 and 6:30 a.m.
The show, started by Mayo, was initially running only on weekends for about a year and a half. But with increased interest from both viewers and advertisers, “The Stacey Mayo Show” has been expanded to a daily morning show and is reaching millions of households throughout the area.
The show runs on Fox affiliates Channel 28 out of Panama City and Channel 34 in Dothan, Ala.
Mayo, the show’s host along with co-host Odom, describes it as a “hometown variety show.”
“Numbers are showing that people are getting tired of reality shows,” Mayo said. “I try to bring back the idea of a variety show which, I think, is upbeat and uplifting for my viewers in the morning. People want to laugh before a long day at work, and I think my show really gives that to the viewers.”
The variety show has what Odom calls a “local hometown” feel, with segments devoted to highlighting local businesses and restaurants, as well as coverage of local events.
“We have a segment called ‘Spotlight on Business,’ which gives local business owners a chance to talk about their business and its necessity to the community,” Odom said. “We also have a ‘Taste of the South’ segment, spotlighting local restaurants and giving reviews of the dishes we try.”
Odom explained that Mayo and himself have covered local events from the Bonifay Rodeo, numerous fishing tournaments and even events and concerts at Dothan’s Country Crossing.
“The show highlights what’s going on locally, but in a fun and interesting light,” Odom said.
Mayo explained that the show also goes beyond the local angle, providing viewers with celebrity interviews, discussions on political issues and even cooking tips.
The show is currently filmed in a studio in Panama City, as well as on-site filming. But Mayo says they are currently on the lookout for a studio to call home for “The Stacey Mayo Show.”
“Although we have made great progress over the past couple years, I would really like to see us expand to bigger markets,” Mayo said. “I dream big, and I plan to do what it takes to move up in our ratings and eventually air ‘The Stacey Mayo Show’ throughout the entire Southeast region.” 
Mayo believes that given current trends, her goals for expansion are highly likely.
“If I thought I was going to be in this market alone, the show wouldn’t have been worth it,” Mayo said. “It’s hard to start something like this from scratch — like get advertising in this current economic market and do everything needed to put on a show like this.”
“So I give it my all with hopes that the show will continue to expand, bringing back the almost ancient idea of a ‘variety show,’” Mayo said.
Mayo explained that seeing this show take off has been “a dream come true” for her, especially when she gets such good feedback from her music videos that air occasionally during the show.
As a young girl growing up in Marianna, she had always wanted to be a singer when she grew up. She started singing in church, against her own wishes.
“I actually didn’t ever want to sing back then, but my parents made me go and kept me singing, and I couldn’t be more appreciative today for that,” Mayo said.
As her voice and talent progressed, Mayo continued to sing. She sang her way through high school in Marianna High’s theater and show choir programs, and is still singing today.
Mayo explained she wants her show and her music to have a positive influence on today’s youth.
“I just want to live my dreams and make a difference while I’m doing it, that’s why we’re here,” Mayo said.