Good Karma Brands has appointed Mike Thomas as General Manager of Sports “ESPN 1000” WMVP Chicago in early 2020.
Thomas joins WMVP from Beasley Media’s Sports “98.5 The Sports Hub” WBZ-FM Boston where he has programmed the station since its 2009 launch.
He also served as VP/Programming for CBS Radio Boston and Vice President of Sports Programming as well as programmed Classic Rock 100.7 WZLX and Rock 104.1 WBCN during his time with CBS Radio until its sale to Entercom and divestiture of WBZ-FM to Beasley in 2017. He has also programmed in Benton Harbor MI, Springfield IL and Dayton OH prior to coming to Boston.
Good Karma began operating ESPN Inc.’s WMVP via LMA in late September. Thomas will fill the position held under ESPN operation by Jim Pastor, who previously announced his retirement by the end of the year. Good Karma CEO Craig Karmazin will serve as Interim Market Manager until Thomas comes aboard.
Beasley is seeking interested applicants at dreamjob@bbgi.com.
ESPN Chicago (WMVP-AM) is excited to announce the addition of Mike Thomas to its leadership team. Thomas, a longtime sports radio programmer and executive, will join the Good Karma Brands team as its Chicago market manager by early January 2020. Craig Karmazin, Good Karma Brands Founder and Chief Executive Officer will continue to serve as the market manager in the interim.
“As a lifelong Chicago sports fan, this is a dream come true,” said Mike Thomas. “It’s so exciting as ESPN 1000 Chicago has a great team, loyal advertising partners and passionate fans. This also gives me the opportunity to be close to my family and work with a company who, like me, has Midwest roots and a passion for sports!”
Mike Thomas was an instrumental part of the launch and brand management of what has been called one of the most successful sports radio stations in the country, 98.5 The Sports Hub (WBZ-FM). Under his leadership, The Sports Hub won three Marconi Awards for Sports Station of the Year by the National Association of Broadcasters.
As Market Manager of ESPN Chicago, Thomas will be responsible for overseeing sales, content and marketing strategy and execution.
Craig Karmazin, founder and chief executive officer at Good Karma Brands said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Mike Thomas to the team. He is the epitome of best-in-class and his expertise, passion for Chicago sports and sports-radio experience will elevate what already is a powerhouse brand.”
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Beasley Media Group is looking for the Bill Belichick of Sports Radio! WBZ-FM/98.5 The Sports Hub is looking for the next superstar Program Director to continue the winning legacy at America’s premiere sports station.
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for a seasoned programmer looking to make a mark in the big leagues with one of the country’s leading brands! WBZ-FM serves as the official broadcast home of the New England Patriots, Boston Bruins, Boston Celtics and NE Revolution.
Veteran PD Mike Thomas, who has successfully led the station’s programming efforts over the past decade, has decided to leave and accept a new position in Chicago in an effort to be closer to his family and fulfill a career goal of becoming a Market Manager. He will continue to remain as a consultant to the station and actively participate in the search process.
“This was an incredibly difficult decision. This radio station is a once in a career station, with a once in a career staff,” said Thomas. “I would like to thank Caroline and Brian Beasley and the entire corporate team for everything. Locally, Mary Menna, Cadillac Jack and Buzz Knight have been fantastic to work with! I also want to thank every single Sports Hub employee for 10 years of winning! I know our relationships won’t end here.”
“It has been a privilege and a pleasure working closely with Mike over the past couple of years,” said Beasley Media Group Boston Vice President and Market Manager Mary Menna. “He is a true talent who has built an amazing, iconic brand. I wish our time together was longer, but wish him every happiness as he starts his Midwest adventure.”
“I want to thank Mike for the instrumental part he has played in leading our award-winning brand throughout its first decade, and wish him continued success in his next chapter,” said Beasley Media Group Director of Programming, Cadillac Jack. “They’re big shoes to fill, and we look forward to meeting a lot of great talent in the process as the coming days and weeks unfold.”
If you have what it takes to lead a winning team and build upon the foundation that’s been laid at America’s premiere award winning sports station, we want to hear from you! Please send your resume package to dreamjob@bbgi.com.
