Industry News

Fabian to Lead Cumulus Boise

Cumulus Media appoints Mike Fabian vice president / market manager for its Boise operations that includes news/talk KBOI-imgAM/FM and sports talk KTIK-FM “953FM The Ticket,” plus three music brands. Fabian most recently served with Townsquare Media in Arizona. Fabian states, “I am honored to join the Boise team and look forward to becoming part of both the organization and this remarkable community. Throughout my career, I have always believed that great teams and strong relationships are the foundation of success. I am excited to work alongside this talented group, serve the Boise community, and help build on the strong tradition these stations have established.”

Industry News

Market Manager Tim Wenger to Exit Audacy Buffalo

Audacy Buffalo market manager Tim Wenger announces he’s leaving the company at the end of this month after his position is being eliminated per Audacy’s new organizational strategy. The imgBuffalo Broadcasters Association reports that the company offered Wenger a different position within the company but he’s electing to pursue new opportunities.  Wenger has spent much of his career in Buffalo, beginning in the newsroom at WBEN-AM in 1986. He rose through the programming ranks and eventually into management in his current market manager role. Wenger’s wife, Susan Rose, serves with WBEN-AM as morning news anchor and reporter and she will remain in her position.

Industry News

Cumulus Names Wirthlin to Lead Salt Lake City Cluster

Cumulus Media appoints Joyce Wirthlin vice president/market manager for its Salt Lake City station group that includes news/talk KKAT-AM and four music brands plus its digital marketing services for local advertisers. Wirthlin most recently served as market president for iHeartMedia’s Salt Lake City operations. Cumulus Media president of operations Daveimg Milner comments, “Joyce is an experienced market leader with deep relationships across Salt Lake City, enabling her to bring sharp local insight and credibility to every client partnership. She excels at delivering integrated marketing solutions, helping clients leverage our multi-platform strategies that maximize the combined power of audio and digital to drive results. Joyce will be a tremendous asset to our Salt Lake City team and a growth catalyst for our clients.”

Industry News

Audacy Philadelphia SVP Yadgaroff to Retire

Longtime Philadelphia SVP and market manager for Audacy’s Philadelphia station group David Yadgaroff announces he’s retiring from the company. He tells his staff, “Leading these iconic stations has been a great privilege and working alongside our team has been the most rewarding part of my journey. Our team has consistently deliveredimg unique, compelling content, embraced meaningful evolution, and made a real difference for our communities, our advertisers and one another. I am incredibly proud of the people in the Philadelphia radio market and across the country, whom I’ve had the opportunity to hire, train and mentor. Watching their growth and success has been a joy. After an extraordinary run of dedicating myself to radio and my colleagues for decades, it feels like the right time to step away and take time for myself, spend more time with family and friends, pursue new opportunities and contribute to organizations in meaningful new ways. I leave with deep gratitude and confidence in the future.” Audacy region president Mark Hannon says Yadgaroff will stay in his position through the end of May as they work on a smooth transition for the staff and the stations’ clients. The Audacy cluster includes news/talk WPHT and sports talk WIP-FM. 

Industry News

Connoisseur Names Frisk Palm Springs Market Manager

Connoisseur Media names Sommer Frisk market manager for its Palm Springs cluster that includes “K-NEWS” (KNWZ-AM, KNWQ-AM, K284CR), sports talk KKUU-HD2 “ESPN 103.9,” and six music brands.img  Frisk is also serving the company as regional manager for Alaska and Salt Lake City. She was most recently with Cumulus Media as VP and market manager for the Oxnard-Ventura, California market. Connoisseur Western Region SVP Tina Murley says, “Sommer’s leadership, passion for local media, and her ability to connect with communities make her an ideal addition to the Connoisseur family. As we deepen presence in Palm Springs, Alaska, and Salt Lake City, Sommer’s strategic vision, commitment to local communities, and operational expertise will be invaluable.”

Industry News

Rod Day to Lead Connoisseur Media Alaska

Connoisseur Media names Alaska media management pro Rod Day market manager for the company’s Alaska properties that include news/talk KFQD-AM, Anchorage and six music brands. Connoisseur Media CEO Jeff Warshaw states, “Rod is exactly the kind of leader weimg want guiding our Alaska operations. His passion for the Anchorage market, experience in broadcast and digital platforms, combined with his ability to build strong teams and elevate performance, makes him an outstanding fit. We are excited for the energy, vision, and expertise he will bring to our Alaska properties.” Day comments, “I’m truly thrilled to be joining the Connoisseur Media team and working alongside leaders who have such a clear vision for our business. It’s also incredibly exciting to return to a market I love, one that I believe has endless potential. I can’t wait to get to know each member of the Anchorage team and work together to achieve not only their personal goals, but the goals we have for the entire team.”

Industry News

Ayers to Lead Cumulus Lexington

Cumulus Media promotes Andrea Ayers to vice president/market manager for its Lexington, Kentucky station group that includes news/talk WVLK-AM and three music brands. Ayers rises from her position as sales manager and takes over on January 1. Cumulus SVP ofimg operations Mark Sullivan comments, “Andrea and I have worked alongside each other for decades and shared in many successes together. She has a long track record of driving results for our Lexington stations, rooted in her passion for the business and service to the community, our advertisers, listeners, and employees. This is a well-deserved opportunity for her, and I’m looking forward to her success in this new role as VP/market manager.” Ayers says, “I’m truly honored to accept the role of VP/market manager for Cumulus Lexington. I’m excited to bring my experience and passion to the table and work alongside such a talented group to drive growth, strengthen relationships, and deliver exceptional results.”

Industry News

St. John Upped to DOS for Bonneville Seattle

Bonneville International promotes Crista St. John to director of sales for the Seattle market that includes news/talk KIRO-FM, KIRO-AM “Seattle Sports,” conservative talk KTTH-AM “Seattle Red,” and MyNorthwest.com. St. John, who has been serving as general sales manager,img comments, “I’m honored and excited to take on this new role and continue building on the incredible momentum our teams have created. Bonneville Seattle is home to passionate, talented individuals who care deeply about our brands, our partners, and our community. I look forward to helping us grow even stronger – together.” Bonneville Seattle SVP and market manager Cathy Cangiano states, “Crista has consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership, strategic insight, and a deep commitment to relationship-building. Her promotion is a testament to the impact she’s made and the confidence we have in her ability to lead us into the future. Crista was the clear choice for this role, and I’m thrilled to partner with her as we shape the next chapter for Bonneville Seattle. Her vision and energy will be instrumental in our continued growth.”

Industry News

Audacy and Wichita State Announce Broadcast Deal Extension

Audacy’s Wichita station group announces a multi-year extension of its broadcast partnership with Wichita State Athletics. As part of the deal, classic hits KEYN-FM remains the flagship and will air all men’s basketball games and select women’s basketball games. All baseball games will be exclusively broadcast on sports talk KFH Radio (97.5 FM /1240 AM). Audacy will alsoimg produce and distribute weekly coaches’ podcasts for multiple sports during their seasons. Audacy Wichita SVP and market manager Tommy Castor says, “We are proud to continue our 50-plus-year tradition as the radio home of Shocker sports. Our partnership with Wichita State Athletics reflects a deep commitment to the community and to connecting with generations of fans. We’re excited to provide Shocker fans the best play-by-play coverage and exclusive updates that bring every game to life.”

Industry News

Layoffs Hitting iHeartMedia Stations Across the Country

iHeartMedia has been cutting staff at radio stations across the country and talk hosts are part of this reduction in force. Some of those affected by the cuts include sports talk radio personalities Steve Czaban – who co-hosted the Czabe & Butch program with Brian Butch on theimg company’s WRNW-FM, Milwaukee “97.3 The Game,” and KBME-AM, Houston “SportsTalk 790” morning host Sean Salisbury. Salisbury tweeted, “It’s been a hell of a run the last 8 years [at] SportsTalk 790. I fully understand the financial decisions that corporate has to make. I appreciate the great bosses at iHeart that I got to work with and here in Houston, who have become friends too. Very grateful for good coworkers and the talent you hear daily on the SportsTalk 790 lineup. I’m so blessed to have worked with special teammates/friends on my show every morning, you know my love for you guys!” Also, a victim of this latest round of cuts is Salt Lake City market manager Joyce Wirthlin.

Industry News

Mark Handwerger to Lead Connoisseur Portland

Connoisseur Media names Mark Handwerger market manager for the Portland station group that includes news/talk KXL-FM. Handwerger has been serving as director of sales for theimg cluster that was recently acquired from Alpha Media. Handwerger, who assumes his new role on October 16, will take over for current market manager Robert Dove, who is retiring at the end of the year and will transition to an advisory role until then. Connoisseur Media CEO Jeff Warshaw states, “Portland is a major part of who we are. It’s a great market with incredible talent and strong brands. Mark’s the right person to lead this next chapter. He understands how to connect with the community and drive results, and that’s exactly what we want in a local leader.”

Industry News

Joel Clary Joins KSE Media Ventures

Media pro Joel Clary joins KSE Media Ventures in Denver as SVP and general manager for theimg company’s four stations that includes sports talk KKSE-AM/FM. Clary most recently served with Salem Media Group as regional multimedia sales manager and takes over for Dave Fleck who left the company to start up his own company. Clary comments, “I am incredibly excited to join an organization with such a passionate fan base and an unparalleled portfolio of teams and venues. I look forward to contributing to the continued success and growth of the KSE family.”

Industry News

New Leadership for Connoisseur San Antonio Announced

Connoisseur Media announces that, beginning in January, current director of sales Morgan Harrison will become market manager for the San Antonio station group the includes news/talkimg KTSA. Morgan will take over for Lance Hawkins, who is retiring. Additionally, integrated sales and sports programming manager Dax Davis will rise to director of sales. Connoisseur Media CEO Jeff Warshaw says, “This is a big moment for our San Antonio team. That market is a vital part of our company, and Morgan and Dax have earned these roles through their hard work and passion for the business. We’re excited to see them lead the next chapter.” Harrison comments, “I am incredibly honored and humbled to step into the role of market manager.

Industry News

Castor to Lead Audacy Wichita

Audacy promotes Tommy Castor to SVP and market manager for the Wichita market that includes news/talk KNSS-AM/FM, sports talk KFH-AM/FM and three music brands. Castor will continue to serve asimg VP of sales for the market. Castor is taking over for Becky Domyan, who continues her role as to serve as SVP and market manager for the St. Louis market. Castor has also co-hosted “Sports Daily” on KFH Radio since 2022. Audacy regional president Brian Purdy says, “Tommy has a proven track record of success and a deep connection to this market, and we couldn’t be happier to have him take the reins to lead Audacy Wichita forward. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Becky for her leadership and impactful work in Wichita. We are thankful for the strong foundation she leaves behind and are confident Tommy will build upon that success.”

Industry News

Good Karma Names Lam “ESPN LA” Market Manager

Good Karma Brands promotes Tommy Lam to market manager for KSPN-AM “ESPN Los Angeles.” Lam previously served as general sales manager and senior director of marketing. Good Kama SVP Sam Pinesimg says, “Tommy’s deep roots in the Los Angeles media landscape, combined with his passion for building brands and connecting with the community, make him the ideal leader for ‘ESPN LA.’ He has excelled at leading teammates across sales, marketing, and support, serving as a strong conduit between those areas and the content team. His proven track record of innovation and results will continue to elevate the brand’s reach and impact with fans and partners.” Lam comments, “I am honored to take on this role and continue building on ESPN LA’s momentum. Los Angeles is one of the most dynamic sports markets in the world, and I’m excited to work with our talent team to deliver outstanding experiences for our fans, partners and teammates.”

Industry News

Audacy Promotes Deegan to SVP and Market Manager

Audacy promotes Tatjana Deegan to SVP and market manager for the Austin station group that includes news/talk KJCE-AM and three music brands. Deegan has been serving as vice president of sales for theimg cluster and will continue in that role. Audacy regional president Brian Purdy comments, “Over the past few months, Tatjana has seamlessly led the team with the powerful combination of her contagious passion for this business and people-first leadership. Since stepping in as vice president of sales a little over a year ago, she has been a driving force in the market’s success, and we’re confident she’ll bring that same energy and creativity to her expanded role. We’re excited to see how she continues to uplift our Austin brands.”

Industry News

Hubbard Names Beyer VP/ Market Manager for Seattle

Hubbard Radio names Nick Beyer the new VP/market manager for its Seattle cluster that includes alternative talk KKNW-AM, four music brands and the 2060 Digital Seattle office. Beyer began his radio career at theimg Hubbard Seattle stations (then owned by Sandusky) and rose through the ranks in promotions, sales, and on-air roles, and was selected for Hubbard’s inaugural NextGen Leadership program. Most recently, Beyer held senior sales leadership positions at CRISTA Media and iHeartMedia Seattle. Beyer says, “I’m incredibly honored to return to where it all began. Hubbard Radio Seattle is home, and I can’t wait to work with this amazing team to serve our listeners, clients, and community.”

Industry News

Jeff Tyler Retires from iHeartMedia

After a radio career spanning 47 years, Jeff Tyler announces he’s retiring from iHeartMedia. Tyler began his career as an on-air talent in 1978, with early roles in both Madison and Milwaukee. In 1997, he played a pivotal role in forming one of the first merged markets when Capstar Broadcasting acquired six stations from two different companies – a move that laid the foundation for today’s iHeartMedia cluster in Madison. Overimg the next three decades, Tyler held numerous leadership positions, including market manager roles in both Madison and Milwaukee.  In 2010, Tyler was promoted to region president and later moved to Minneapolis in 2015 to serve as regional president for iHeartMedia. He rose to division president in July 2018 before returning to Wisconsin in 2022 to lead as metro president and most recently area president. Tyler says, “Broadcast radio has been my life. I’ve worked in every aspect of this business and have been fortunate to work for tremendous leaders who helped shape my career, including the creative and innovative team at iHeartMedia. I’m grateful to have worked with so many talented, dedicated professionals in vibrant broadcast markets, serving advertisers and creating meaningful partnerships. I’m excited to begin a more flexible chapter of life with my family, while continuing to support our sports partnerships in the short term.”

Industry News

Woodward Taps DeGroot to Lead Wisconsin Stations

Woodward Communications names B.J. DeGroot market manager for its six-station cluster in Northeast Wisconsin that includes news/talk WHBY and sports talk WSCO-AM/W237AA “The Score” in Appleton. DeGroot has been serving as brand manager for WHBY and “The Score.” Woodward says that DeGroot’s understanding of the local market and his success in brand management has prepared him to lead thisimg diverse group of stations. DeGroot comments, “Leading the entire portfolio of Woodward Community Media stations in Northeast Wisconsin is a significant honor. I’m committed to working with our talented local teams to continue delivering relevant content and strengthening our connection with the community.” The company also announces that Kelly Radandt, who was named director of broadcast in November 2024, will oversee broadcast brands across both Northeast Wisconsin and the company’s Springfield, Illinois stations. DeGroot and Kevin O’Dea, market manager of Springfield, will both report to Radandt. Radandt comments, “This expanded role presents a unique opportunity to unify our broadcast efforts and innovate across markets. I am eager to contribute to Woodward Community Media’s continued success and evolution. Onward!”

Industry News

Connoisseur Defines New Roles for Executives

Following Connoisseur Media’s proposed acquisition of Alpha Media, Connoisseur announces two changes involving company executives. Kristin Okesson, currently the senior vice president and market manager of Connoisseur Connecticut, expands her responsibilities to oversee the company’s Long Island radio stations. The company says, “Okesson brings decades of experience, a deep understanding of localimg suburban New York market dynamics, and a proven track record of audience engagement, operational excellence along with cultivating client and community relationships.” At the same time, Connoisseur chief operating officer David Bevins, who has been overseeing Long Island operations for the past five years in addition to his corporate responsibilities, will now focus on major corporate initiatives. The company says Bevins will play a key role in managing the transition of Alpha Media into Connoisseur Media. CEO Jeffrey Warshaw comments, “These leadership changes reflect our confidence in our team and our vision for Connoisseur’s future. Kristin and David exemplify the kind of forward-thinking, community-driven leadership that defines our brand. As we grow, we are excited to have their expertise guiding both our legacy markets and new additions.”

Industry News

Beasley Executive Kent Dunn to Retire

Beasley Media Group Augusta vice president and market manager Kent Dunn announces he is retiring on June 6, 2025. Dunn joined Beasley in 1991 and since then has held numerous leadership roles, including serving as vice president and market manager in markets including Augusta, Tampa,img and Fayetteville. Dunn says, “After much thought and reflection, I’ve made the decision to retire and begin the next chapter of my life. Beasley Media Group has been more than just a workplace – it’s been my extended family. I feel incredibly fortunate to have spent over 30 years doing what I love, with people I deeply respect and admire. It’s been an absolute privilege to work with late company founder George Beasley, Caroline, Brian and Bruce over the years.” CEO Caroline Beasley comments, “Kent’s contributions to Beasley Media Group – and to the radio industry at large – have been nothing short of exceptional. His strategic insight, collaborative spirit, and passion for radio have guided teams and inspired generations of broadcasters. We are deeply grateful for his decades of service and wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.”

Industry News

Dobbins to Lead Cumulus Des Moines

Cumulus Media names Adam Dobbins vice president/market manager for its Des Moines station group thatimg includes sports talk KBBG-AM “The Champ” and four music brands. He most recently served with Walnut Media in Omaha. As director of sales. Cumulus Media president of operations Bob Walker says, “We are excited to welcome Adam to Cumulus Des Moines as this is a homecoming for him, having grown up in Des Moines and being a fan of our brands. Adam is an accomplished leader that is passionate about connecting local clients to the power of radio and the digital products we offer to help them grow their business.”

Industry News

Cody Welling Named Regional VP for Cumulus Flint/Saginaw

Sales and management pro Cody Welling is returning to Cumulus Media as regional vice president and market manager for the Flint/Saginaw, Michigan market. Welling was most recently station manager and director of sales for Tegna’s sports talk WBNS-FM, Columbus and the Ohio News Network. Previously, heim managed Cumulus’ Shreveport and Bossier City, Louisiana stations. Welling takes over for the retiring Chris Monk. Cumulus president of operations Bob Walker says, “We are thankful to Chris for the strong foundation he has built for our clusters in Flint and Saginaw and wish him all the best in his retirement. As we look to the future, we are excited to welcome Cody back to Cumulus to take our powerful brands to the next level. Cody is a passionate broadcaster who is dedicated to helping local businesses connect with our audiences and fully leverage the opportunities our traditional and digital assets provide.”

Industry News

CMG Promotes David Abel to VP and Market Manager for Atlanta Radio

Cox Media Group promotes David Abel to vice president and market manager for CMG Atlanta Radio (including news/talk giant WSB-AM/WSBB-FM), effective February 17. Abel most recently served the company as VP and market manager for the Sanimg Antonio radio operations. Cox Media Group EVP of radio Rob Babin comments, “It’s always rewarding to promote from within CMG. I’m confident that David’s experience and expertise will help us achieve new milestones and drive our vision forward while we work daily to serve our audiences, clients, and talented employees at CMG Atlanta.” Abel says, “My journey with Cox Media Group started nearly 25 years ago, and it has been a privilege working alongside the many talented and dedicated team members in San Antonio and throughout our company. I am looking forward to working with CMG’s flagship radio brands and serving our team, listeners, customers, and communities throughout Atlanta.”

Industry News

iHM Names Williams Area President for Alaska and Hawaii

iHeartMedia promotes Kim Williams to area president for Alaska and Hawaii, effective October 1, 2024im following the retirement of Andy Lohman. Williams is serving as market manager for the company’s Fairbanks, Alaska operations. iHeartMedia division president Dan Lankford says, “I have had the privilege of working with Kim over the past four years while she served as market president for Fairbanks. I’m excited to see Kim’s passion and experience expand to all of the iHeartMedia stations across the entire Alaska and Hawaii area.”