Entercom has quickly followed up on the settlement of the Lincoln Financial Media deal and swap with Bonneville with announcements of who will lead their newly acquired clusters.
Doug Abernethy, who exited Radio-One Houston in March for an undisclosed position with Entercom, has disclosed he will lead the new Miami cluster of AC “101.5 Lite-FM” WLYF, Classic Hits “Magic 102.7” WMXJ, and Sports “104.3 The Ticket” 790 WAXY/104.3 WAXY-FM. Abernethy had been VP/GM of Radio-One Houston since 2004 and also was Regional VP overseeing the company’s Dallas and St. Louis stations.
Mike Fowler, most recently VP/Sales of “ESPN 1000” WMVP Chicago will head to Atlanta to lead Hot AC “Star 94.1” WSTR and format-to-be-determined 790 WQXI.
Peter Burton has been VP/GM of Classic Rock “100.3 The Sound” KSWD Los Angeles since Bonneville acquired and launched the station in 2008. He will remain in that role with Entercom.
After exiting as SVP/Market Manager of CBS Radio San Diego last week, Bob Bollinger will cross the street to take on the lead position at the Entercom cluster of Alternative “FM 94.9” KBZT, Country 97.3 KSON/92.1 KSOQ, and Soft AC “Easy 98.1” KIFM.
With today’s announcement, Entercom has named Doug Abernethy as the Vice President/General Manager of Entercom Miami, Mike Fowler as Vice President/General Manager of Entercom Atlanta, Bob Bollinger as Vice President/General Manager of Entercom San Diego and Peter Burton as Vice President /General Manager of Entercom Los Angeles.
Commenting on the announcements, Weezie Kramer, Entercom’s Chief Operating Officer, noted “Lincoln Financial Media, Bonneville and their teams have built world-class brands, and we are excited about the opportunities to continue to grow these stations and to provide our listeners and customers with the best compelling local content and dynamic, integrated marketing solutions.” Kramer added “I am excited to welcome Doug, Bob, Mike and Peter to Entercom. They are great leaders and managers with a proven track record of success. As we enter these vibrant new markets, we are thrilled to have such talented and experienced media veterans at the helm.”
In Denver where Entercom will be adding three new stations to its lineup as a result of the acquisition, Entercom announced that Amy Griesheimer will continue to lead Entercom Denver in her role as Vice President/General Manager. Kramer commented, “Amy has been a tremendous leader for Entercom Denver and we know her experience, leadership and vision will continue to drive ratings, revenue and audience engagement for our stations in Denver.”
Abernethy joined Entercom in April 2015 after 10 years as a Regional Vice President with Radio One. A second-generation broadcaster, Abernethy has been recognized for his industry efforts by receiving the Radios Best Mangers award in 2006, 2007, and 2008 and Radio Wayne Best Market Manager award in 2009. In 2010, he was awarded the Urban Knight award for his efforts in promoting and marketing African-American consumers to the nation’s largest advertisers.
Bolinger is a 30-year media veteran who has held various roles in radio, most recently as Senior Vice President and Market Manager of CBS Radio in San Diego. A passionate advocate for the radio industry, Bolinger is involved with many local charities and professional organizations including the San Diego Radio Broadcasters Association and the Make-A-Wish Foundation of San Diego.
Fowler is a seasoned media executive who has served as a President/Market Manager, Vice President/General Manager, Director of Sales and Local Sales Manager with several radio companies. Most recently, Fowler served as Director of Sales at ESPN Chicago.
Burton joined Bonneville in May 2008 after spending seven years as the Director of Sales for the Lincoln Financial Group in San Diego. While there, Burton was responsible for the local, national and new business operations of all three Lincoln Financial stations. A New York native, Burton began his 20-year media career in New York, where he spent 13 years in sales and management.
Griesheimer has been with Entercom since 2002. During her 26-year career, Griesheimer has held various positions, including Local Sales Manager, Sales Manager, Vice President, Director of Sales, General Manager and Market Manager. Griesheimer was a Radio Wayne award finalist in 2000 and 2010.
So much for the scenarios. At least Entercom is retaining the formats.