Cumulus Media has completed its Program Director shuffle by naming Wade Linder as PD of Classic Hits 94.7 WLS-FM Chicago.
Linder takes the reins of WLS-FM after serving as PD of now-defunct Classic Rock “97.9 The Loop” WLUP-FM since 2014. Prior to coming to Chicago he spent his career in Minneapolis at 92.5 KQRS-FM where he rose to APD/MD and then moved over to Alternative “93.7 The Edge” KEGE and became PD of its successor “93X” KXXR as PD.
He fills the opening created by the move of Brian Thomas to Country “Kicks 101.5” WKHX Atlanta announced this morning.
Cumulus Media announces that it has appointed veteran radio programming professional Wade Linder as Program Director for Classic Hits station WLS-FM in Chicago. Linder moves to WLS-FM from WLUP-FM, where he has served as Program Director since June 2014. Prior to that, Linder was Program Director for KXXR-FM in Minneapolis, MN, a station he programmed for nearly 20 years. Linder began his radio career in 1990 at KQRS-FM in Minneapolis, where he was Music Director/Assistant Program Director. He went on to launch Minneapolis station KEGE-FM in 1994, prior to signing on at KXXR-FM.
Marv Nyren, Vice President and Market Manager, Cumulus Media-Chicago, said: “Having the luxury of replacing a premiere Program Director like Brian Thomas with Wade Linder doesn’t happen often. We are most fortunate to be able to move Wade from WLUP-FM to the Program Director’s role at WLS-FM. This allows us the opportunity to continue growing upon the heritage and recent success of 94.7 and to keep one of the country’s most talented PD’s in our cluster.”
Mike McVay, Executive Vice President, Content & Programming, Cumulus Media and Westwood One, said: “It is rare that a market has as many strong programmers in one building as does Cumulus Chicago. We’re excited to be able to take advantage of Wade’s skills and experience and use him as the growth of WLS-FM continues.”
Linder said: “I am thankful for the opportunity to keep doing what I love – Radio, at another great Chicago brand, WLS-FM. There are a lot of talented and passionate people who want to win here! The future looks bright.”
