Alpha Media has announced that Tim Richards will serve as Content Director for its recently launched “Free Country” simulcast in the Chicago market of 98.3 WCCQ Crest Hill/Joliet and 102.3 WXLC Waukegan IL.

The Phoenix based Richards also serves as head of the Smith Richards Collective consultancy and will continue as Content Director for Alpha’s “98.7 The Bull” KUPL Portland. Alpha states that his “appointment leverages his extensive experience and deep understanding of the country music landscape, enhancing the synergy between KUPL, WCCQ, and WXLC” and ensuring “a cohesive and dynamic approach to programming across these key markets”.

Richards launched his consultancy along with the late Steve Smith in 2020. He previously had a long run in Phoenix with stints from 2011 to 2020 as Show Director for the syndicated Johnjay & Rich show and Program Director of iHeartMedia CHR “104.7 Kiss-FM” KZZP, before moving to CBS Radio/Audacy as PD of Country 107.9 KMLE in 2013 and later adding those duties for Classic Hits 94.5 KOOL-FM and cluster Operations Manager in 2014 and VP/Programming in 2015. Richards has also served as OM/RVP Programming for Clear Channel Tucson from 2003-11 after a previous stint from 1996-1999, and has programmed Alternative “Q101” WKQX Chicago, CHR “Q95.5” WKQI Detroit, was Regional PD for Pacific Star Communications, and APD/MD of Hot AC “Mix 98.5” WBMX Boston.

Richards commented, “The opportunity to lead the content strategy for Free Country Chicago while continuing my work with KUPL and the Smith Richards Collective is incredibly exciting.”

Alpha Media EVP/Content Phil Becker stated, “At Alpha Media, our commitment to the country music format is stronger than ever. With our footprint in Portland, San Francisco, and now Chicago, we’re uniting some of the best country music markets under one powerful umbrella. With Tim’s leadership, we’re poised to create a unified and robust country music experience for our listeners on an even larger scale.”