iHeartMedia Indianapolis Senior VP/Programming Mike Killabrew is heading to Washington DC as Director of Rock Programming overseeing Classic Rock “Big 100” WBIG-FM and Alternative “DC 101” WWDC starting April 1.
Killabrew fills the opening created by James Howard’s move to Chicago as SVP/Programming in January.
Killabrew has been in his role in Indianapolis since March 2016 after previously working as PD of sister Alternative “Alt 106.3” KDXA and Sports 1460 KXNO Des Moines for the past two years. He has also programmed and hosted afternoons at Active Rock “98 Rock” 97.9 WXTB Tampa and worked at “Zeta 94.9” WZTA Miami, “93X” WMFS Memphis and “620 The Sports Animal” WDAE Tampa
iHeartMedia announced today that Mike Killabrew has been named Director of Rock Programming for BIG 100 and DC101, effective April 1. iHeartMedia Washington D.C. has a strong cross-platform presence and includes a number of iconic brands and franchises — both broadcast and digital — encompassing six stations comprised of music, talk and news formats.
iHeartMedia has the leading consumer reach and influence across multiple platforms and delivers more live programming than any other media company. As Director of Rock Programming, overseeing the programming of BIG 100 and DC101, Killabrew will be responsible for both stations’ music and programming content, as well their personalities and digital extensions. He will report to Jeff Kapugi, Region Senior Vice President of Programming for iHeartMedia Washington and Baltimore.
“I am excited to have Mike Killabrew join iHeartMedia Washington D.C. to lead our iconic rock brands, BIG 100 and DC101,” said Kapugi. “Along with his impressive tenure of experience with iHeartMedia, Mike has an unparalleled passion and energy for the rock formats that will elevate and impact our brands from day one.”
With nearly 20 years of programming experience for iHeartMedia, Killabrew joins the Washington D.C. market from iHeartMedia Indianapolis where he served as the Senior Vice President of Programming for Q95, Alt 1033, Fox Sports 975 and Real 983. Throughout his career he has also overseen programming and brand management for stations including ALT 1063 and 1460 KXNO in Des Moines, Iowa and 98 ROCK, 95.3 WDAE and WHNZ in Tampa, Florida.
“I’m excited to join the outstanding programming team at iHeartMedia Washington D.C. and I look forward to working with ‘The Elliot In The Morning’ crew and the amazing talent on DC 101 and BIG 100,” said Killabrew. “These spectacular brands have defined rock in D.C. for decades!”
For certain definitions of “rock,” I suppose. WBIG is a rock-leaning Classic Hits, while WWDC is a pop-leaning Alternative. Neither particularly “rocks.” The station that did, iHeart’s W284CQ, was killed off to make way for “WONK-FM.”
Will he be given actually programming leeway over DC 101, or will he be forced to use the crappy playlist likely developed by Lisa Worden that has helped the station achieve all-time record low ratings during music dayparts?
I agree with your comments 100%, Trip. DC 101 has turned into a sissy music station. It’s pathetic what this once proud station has devolved into.