Cox Media Group has announced a series of programming management changes in Tampa.
Rick Thomas is exiting his position as Operations Manager of the cluster and Program Director of AC “Magic 94.9” WWRM, CHR “Hot 101.5” WPOI, and Soft AC 105.5 WDUV. Thomas joined Cox Tampa in February 2017 after runs programming CBS Radio’s “92.3 Amp Radio” WBMP New York, Rhythmic AC “94.7 The Wave” KTWV and Classic Hits “K-Earth 101.1” KRTH Los Angeles and Broadcast Company of Americas Rhythmic CHR “Z90” XHTZ and Rhythmic Oldies “Magic 92.5” XHRM Tijuana/San Diego.
“Power 95.3” WPYO Orlando’s Director of Branding & Programming Will Calder will add those duties for WPOI in addition to Orlando. Calder joined Cox in June 2018 after previously serving as APD/MD/Imaging Director/Midday host at Entercom Rhythmic CHR “Power 96” WPOW-FM Miami earlier this month. He has also served as APD of “Z88.9” WBZC Pemberton NJ and worked at CBS Radio’s “92.3 Now” WNOW-FM and “92.3 Amp Radio” WBMP New York, Entercom’s “103.7 Kiss-FM” WXSS Milwaukee, and “Energy 92.7/5” WKIE/WKIF/WDEK Chicago.
Transferring to Tampa to program WWRM and WDUV is current Cox Media Tulsa Director of Marketing & Radio Operations Nathan Reed. Reed has been with Cox Tulsa since April 2016 when he was named Director of Branding and Programming of Hot AC “Mix 96” 96.5 KRAV. He previously spent eight years in multiple programming roles at iHeartMedia Toledo eventually rising to SVP/Programming and also programmed Rhythmic CHR “Club 93.7” WRCL Flint MI.
Rick Thomas was never a culture fit for that building so maybe his buddy/agent Steve Smith can get him into a place where certain practices are acceptable. The new guy in Miami has a great reputation so should be a great short or long term solution to keep Tampa a premiere group of stations for the company.