Leighton Media has promoted Kris Valentine to Director of Country Programming.
The move comes following former VP/Programming JD Greene’s move last week to Las Vegas as Operations Manager for Lotus Communications. Concurrently consultant Mark St. John will take on expanded roles across Leighton’s stations.
Valentine is on his third stint with the company serving as Program Director for “Wild Country 99” KZPK St. Cloud MN since December 2023 and co-hosting afternoons with Chelsea Lee on KZPK, “KJ Country” 96.5 KJJK-FM Fergus Falls, and “97 KYCK” Grand Forks ND. He previously programmed KZPK from 2016-18 and worked at the company in the early 2000s. He has also held roles as PD/morning host at KIKV Alexandria MN, afternoon host at “Buz’n 102.9” KMNB Minneapolis and “99.5 The Wolf” KWJJ Portland OR, and on-air at KYGO Denver, KEEY Minneapolis and KHAK Cedar Rapids. In his new role he will oversee programming strategy, brand development, and talent coaching for Leighton’s Country properties.
He commented, “I’m incredibly excited to step into this new role and continue building on the amazing work already happening across our Country brands. We’ve got some of the most passionate teams and listeners in the business, and I’m looking forward to collaborating closely with each station to keep our momentum strong and take our brands to the next level.”
Leighton Media CEO Bob Leighton stated, “ris Valentine will assume leadership responsibility for our Country stations. Kris will oversee programming, talent development, and brand strategy for these properties. Station managers and music directors at Country-formatted outlets should report directly to Kris on all format-specific initiatives. We appreciate everyone’s flexibility during this transition. Mark and Kris are both deeply committed to elevating our stations, and their expanded roles will strengthen our competitive edge.”
