NRG Media has announced the hiring of Jay Michaels as Program Director of Hot AC “Sweet 98.5” KQKQ and Rhythmic CHR “Power 106.9” KOPW Omaha.
Michaels most recently was working in the record industry at Reign-Deer Entertainment. He has previously programmed CBS Radio’s “100.3 Jack-FM” KJKK and “Amp 103.7” KVIL and iHeartMedia’s “102.1 The Edge” KDGE and “102.9 Now” KDMX Dallas and Emmis’ “Hot 93.3” KDHT Austin. He also served as Operations Manager for Sinclair Communications in Norfolk and Music Director of KHFI Austin and KRBE Houston where current NRG Omaha Market Manager Mark Shecterle worked for 18 years as Marketing Director and General Manager.
Michaels fills the opening created by Caleb James’ exit to join Emmis Country “97.1 Hank-FM” WLHK Indianapolis as morning co-host.
Long-time broadcast radio programming executive Jay Michaels has been hired as the Program Director for NRG Omaha radio stations KQKQ – SWEET 98.5 and KOPW – POWER 106.9. NRG Media General Manager Mark Shecterle made the announcement Thursday morning.
Jay is a very seasoned programmer with outstanding relationships within the broadcasting and record industry, according to Shecterle. Jay has worked as Program Director at Amp1037 & 100.3 Jack FM in Dallas, KDMX & KDGE in Dallas, Hot 93.3 in Austin and KRBE in Houston. He was Operations Manager at WROX & WUSH in Virginia, and Music Director at KDGE in Dallas as well as KISS and KHFI in Austin.
Shecterle stated, “I am thrilled to have Jay join our incredibly talented and award-winning staff. Jay’s music knowledge, creativity, passion for radio and his competitive spirit is second to none. Jay has a great programming mind, as well as a strong sales mentality, which is important in our business. I am very fortunate to once again work with Jay, as he is truly one of the best programmers in the business”.
Michaels said he is extremely excited to get started in Omaha, and work with the existing staff on two legendary stations SWEET 98.5 and POWER 106.9.
“I’m beyond excited to reunite with one of the biggest influences in my career Mark Shecterle and join a fantastic radio company that focuses on great local radio. I cannot wait to start programming, and join a very talented group of individuals who still value what local radio is should be. I’m honored to be the next Program Director for such iconic brands, Sweet 98.5 and Power 106.9!”
Most recently, Jay worked for Maverick Management in Los Angeles.