Industry News

Gaines and Rose Exit Cumulus’ KFRU, Columbia

As Cumulus Media continues its culling of local personalities at its stations across the country, the majority of those being let go served at music outlets. But there have been talk hosts also getting pink-imgslipped including KFRU, Columbia, Missouri talk hosts David Gaines and Simon Rose. Gaines posted to Facebook: “As of this week, I’m no longer with Columbia’s heritage radio station KFRU. Corporate downsizing, the elimination of Cumulus Media positions nationwide, hit our market this week. That’s the nature of this business. Despite this setback, I’m writing this with a sense of gratitude. These past 18 years have been such a wonderful stretch of my career. I’ve worked with so many talented and creative people. Been a part of countless wonderful events. Interviewed multiple local and state leaders, and interesting guests from all walks of life.” Rose’s wife Jenna posted to Facebook: “Simon Rose has come to the end of a legendary run in local radio. He weathered plenty of rounds of belt-tightening over the years, but this time was the one he didn’t survive. The hardest part for him isn’t the ending itself – it’s that he didn’t get the chance to say a proper goodbye to the listeners on either station. He wants them to know how much being part of their lives has meant to him. They have been with him since before we were married and took daily interest in him and our growing family. Thank you for that.”

Industry News

TALKERS NEWS NOTES

Five-year-old, Iowa-based RoadWorthy Drive Productions has been renamed TechMobility Productions. According to company chief executive officer – and a founding member of the Black Automotive Media Group Ken Chester, “We changed the name to better reflect the actual content of our weekly programming. Our previous branding was confusing to both the radio industry and our listeners.” TechMobility Productions produces/distributes “The TechMobility Show”; “The TechMobility Minute”; and “TechMobility In Focus.” More than 50 stations nationwide carry the company’s programming.

Former Missouri state representative Ted Farnen’s “Columbia Today” (4:00 pm – 6:00 pm) will debut next Monday (7/17) on Cumulus Media Columbia, MO news/talk KFRU. Cumulus Columbia vice president/market manager Greg Renoe remarks, “We are excited to have Ted join our KFRU line-up in the afternoons. He brings experience and a local perspective that we believe will resonate well with the listeners of KFRU.” Program director Luke Swezy notes, “[Ted] brings a valuable and informed perspective on local issues that will strengthen our programming; Farnen notes, “For nearly 100 years, KFRU has been Columbia’s best source for news and entertainment. This will be a fun and informative show with a heavy concentration on local issues and guests. It will be a program to which everyone will be welcome, and it will complement the outstanding local programming KFRU already provides.”