Changes are ongoing at Stephens Media Group Alternative “94.1 The Zone” WZNE Brighton/Rochester NY.
Following the exits of Violet Woods and Zack Schaefer while dropping the syndicated Rover’s Morning Glory, WZNE has promoted afternoon host Cory ‘Kobe’ Fargo to Program Director. Fargo joined WZNE in August after serving as PD/afternoon host for iHeartMedia CHR “Hot 107.9” WWHT Syracuse until being part of the companywide layoffs in January. The Rochester native previously worked in the market at CHR 97.9 WPXY and has also programmed Cox CHRs 95.1 WAPE Jacksonville and “Power 100.1” WPUP Athens GA, iHeartMedia CHR “Wild 95.5” WLDI West Palm Beach, and Apex Media CHR “B92.5” WIHB Charleston SC along with APD and on-air roles at “B94” and “100.7 Star” in Pittsburgh.
“Z104.5 The Edge” KMYZ Tulsa Program Director Josh Venable will oversee music for the station.
WZNE will launch a new morning show on December 1.
Original Report 11/16: Violet Woods has exited as Program Director/midday host after over five years with the station. Woods joined WZNE in June 2015 after a previous stint at the station as Music Director from 2000 to 2003. She has also served as MD at KWOD Sacramento and PD of KVGS Las Vegas, while working on-air at multiple other stations in Rochester during her career.
Zack Schaefer exits as Marketing Director & Promotions Director for Stephens’ Rochester cluster and evening host at WZNE. Schaefer had been with the company since 2009 and in his current role since 2011.
WZNE has also dropped the syndicated Rover’s Morning Glory based at iHeartMedia Rock 100.7 WMMS Cleveland. The station was Rover’s oldest affiliate, airing the show since 2006 when it was brought into syndication by CBS Radio as part of its “Free-FM” launch.
Only afternoon host Cory ‘Kobe’ Fargo, who joined WZNE in August, remains at the station.