Connoisseur Media has announced a series of staffing moves at its Portland OR cluster.
Ross MacLeod, who joined the cluster as Operations Manager and Content Director of News/Talk 101.1 KXL and Sports “750 The Game” KXTG in July, will give up the day-to-day programming duties at KXL while adding them for AAA 101.9 KINK. MacLeod previously spent five years with iHeartMedia programming Classic Rockers “Big 105.9” WBGG-FM Miami, “93.7 the River” KYRV Sacramento, “105.9 The Brew” KFBW Portland and Variety Hits “96.5 Jack-FM” KJAQ Seattle. Before that, he spent his career in his native Canada with time programming “Jack 96.9” CJAQ-FM Calgary, “102.1 The Edge” CFNY Toronto and “CJAY 92” Calgary. He also serves as News/Talk Format Coordinator for Connoisseur.
Kendall Stewart joins the cluster as Assistant Program Director for KINK and CHR “Live 95.5” KBFF. Stewart most recently served as APD of Minnesota Public Radio AAA “The Current” 89.3 KCMP Minneapolis until exiting in August. Stewart joined KCMP in January 2023 after eight years at Saga Communications AAA “106.1 The Corner” WCNR Charlottesville VA where she rose from MD/midday host to APD/afternoon host and then PD/morning host. Stewart began her career in college at 88.9 WERS Boston and later worked at AAA’s “92.5 The River” WXRV and 91.9 WUMB in the market.
Stewart said, “I’m beyond thrilled to join the Connoisseur Media family and be part of the creative energy behind KINK and Live 95.5! I can’t wait to dive in and be part of the radio magic happening every day at these amazing stations. Portland, let’s go!”
Country “98.7 The Bull” KUPL has promoted Jamie Tanchyk to Music Director. Tanchyk joined the station in July after he most recently served in the dual role of Brand Manager of Hot AC “Bella 105” KRSK and afternoon host at Country “99.5 The Wolf” KWJJ until exiting in Audacy’s March layoffs. Tanchyk previously served as APD/midday host and held programming and on-air roles at multiple stations in Albany NY.
Back at KXL, News Director Grant McHill rises to Program Director. McHill has been with KXL since 2016 after previously spending six years at Cumulus Media Eugene OR. McHill stated, “As someone who has worked at KXL for a decade, I appreciate and understand the station’s importance to the community and its potential for growth in Portland and beyond. I am thrilled, honored, and thankful for this opportunity. A huge thank you to Jeff Warshaw, Keith Dakin, Mark Handwerger, and Ross MacLeod for their confidence in me.”
