Executive Trifecta @ Bicoastal Media Eugene
• It’s the end of one era… and the start of an exciting new one for Val Steele, a fixture inside the Bicoastal Media broadcast complex in Eugene, OR since 1994 and PD of heritage Top 40 KDUK since 2001, as it was announced that she is stepping down as PD of KDUK, unplugging from afternoons and crossing the hall to Country sibling KFLY (US101) as PD/afternoon talent. She succeeds Pat Garrett, who recently exited after a three-year run.
Ms. Steele (left), who was named the Oregon Association of Broadcasters 2019 Broadcaster of the Year, has achieved phenomenal success during her 26 years at KDUK, and will retain her existing role as Operations Manager for both 104.7 KDUK & US 101.
Fortunately, the KDUK PD post will be in great hands, as the station has appointed Pacific Northwest radio pro Geoff Owens as KDUK’s new PD and afternoon personality. Owens (right) spent over a decade with iHeartMedia Portland, rising to PD of both Rhythmic KXJM (Jam’n 107.5)/Portland and KUBE/Seattle until January of this year. Also working in Owens’ favor is that he’s already a known quantity within Bicoastal, having done evening shifts for KDUK since 2017, and now steps into the vacancy created with Steele’s move over to US101 Country. As Steele told RAMP, “When you only make a change every 20 years or so you’ve got to do it right — and that is certainly correct in the case of Geoff!”
Commenting on these momentous moves, Market Manager Jeff Gaulton (left) stated, “This was an absolute dream scenario — promoting Geoff and all his talents to the helm of KDUK allows us to grow and become a stronger cluster in the market. It’s because of Geoff’s passion and skills we are able to make these coordinated moves.”
Completing this trifecta of Bicoastal executive action, Jeff Gaulton made some big news of his own with the announcement of his impending retirement, effective July 31. Bicoastal Media President/COO Mike Wilson remarked, “I’m very sorry to see Jeff go as he’s done tremendous work for us the past 12 years.”
Stepping up to succeed Gaulton is Sean Beken, who transfers from the MM spot at Bicoastal’s cluster in Ukiah/Lakeport, CA. Beken is a 20-year industry vet who previously worked for iHeartMedia, Buckley Broadcasting and Mapleton, and is now in his second stint with Bicoastal. Gaulton added, “The future is so bright for Val and Geoff as well as KDUK and US1010 Country that I almost changed my mind about retiring!”
