Winford Enters Kat Country

Happy to see my former Fresno radio colleague Andy Winford return to California’s Central Valley as the newly minted PD of Cumulus Media’s KATM (Kat Country 103)/Modesto-Stockton, CA. The gig has been open since August, when Nikki Thomas transferred to the PD post at Country cousin WIVK/Knoxville. Winford arrives from Townsquare Media in scenic Yakima, WA, where he was Brand Manager of KIT-AM and KATS-FM. Before that he was Brand Manager for Townsquare’s group in Billings, MT.

Bob Berger, VP/Market Manager for Cumulus Modesto/Stockton commented, “Andy will bring us fresh ears and ideas, and I know he will work to support the great talent we have in place. I’m excited to see KAT Country’s growth in serving our community in the coming years.” OM Richard Perry said, “KAT Country has a long history of ratings dominance, but has only been led by a handful of PDs. All of them did great things here. I look forward to Andy adding his name to the short list of PDs who have made KAT Country special.”

Earlier in his career Winford held programming positions at CHBN (91.7 The Bounce)/Edmonton, Alberta; KKBZ & KHIT/Fresno and he was Director of FM Programming for iHeartMedia in San Luis Obispo, CA. Best of all, he’s already very familiar with the Modesto market as the former PD of KURQ & KSTT. [Ed. note: I was privileged to work with Andy in the late ’80s at the former KYNO (Hot 96)/Fresno]. Winford commented, “I want to thank Bob Berger and Richard Perry for giving me the opportunity to be the leader of one of America’s truly great radio stations, as evidenced by its previous CMA and ACM Station of the Year Awards. I’m truly humbled and I can’t wait to start collaborating with the fantastic talent that’s ruled over Modesto-Stockton for the last decade and become part of KAT Country 103’s rich history.”