Following Friday’s exit of Scott Lindy, Cumulus Media is transferring Classic Hits 94.7 WLS-FM Chicago Program Director Brian Thomas to Atlanta to oversee Country “Kicks 101.5” WKHX.
Thomas joined Cumulus in 2014 as Program Director of Country “Nash-FM 94.7” WNSH Newark NJ/New York and Corporate Country PD. He was transferred to WLS-FM in 2015 and added VP/Programming for Classic Hits to his title. He has also served as VP/Classic Hits for CBS Radio and programmed Country 99.5 WQYK and Classic Hits “Q105” 104.7 WRBQ Tampa and Classic Hits 101.1 WCBS-FM and AC “Fresh 102.7” WWFS New York.
Cumulus Media announces that it has appointed veteran programming professional Brian Thomas as Program Director of Kicks 101.5/WKHX-FM, Atlanta’s #1 Station for Country Hits. Thomas heads to Atlanta from Cumulus Media-Chicago, where he was Program Director for WLS-FM. Thomas also serves Cumulus as a member of the Corporate Programming Team for the Country format, and is Vice President, Programming, Classic Hits.
Thomas was previously Program Director for Cumulus Media’s Country station in New York City, NASH FM 94.7/WNSH-FM. Prior to joining Cumulus, he was National Vice President of Classic Hits programming for CBS Radio. He was also Program Director of Country WQYK-FM and Classic Hits WRBQ-FM, and Vice President, Programming for CBS Radio in Tampa.
Sean Shannon, Vice President and Market Manager, Cumulus Media-Atlanta, said: “I am thrilled to have Brian join our team. His knowledge and his passion for Country is contagious. I can’t wait to see what he can do with this legendary brand.”
Louie Diaz, Operations Manager, Cumulus Media-Atlanta, said: “It’s an exciting time for us, and Kicks 101.5. Atlanta is ready for Brian. Time to turn it up!”
Thomas said: “It was always my dream to program WLS-FM in Chicago, but I started in Country and everyone knows I love it. And although I am Corporate Program Director for Country at Cumulus, it’s not the same as having a Country station down the hall. I’m beyond thrilled that Sean Shannon, Mike McVay and Charlie Cook have confidence in me to program KICKS, one of America’s leading Country stations. And looking forward to working with Louie Diaz and the team at Cumulus Atlanta!
