Drivetime Pros In Motion
• Local Media San Diego Alternative mainstay XTRA (91X) has introduced Zach Van Lue as the station’s new afternoon drive personality. If Van Lue’s name sound familiar, that’s because it is — Zach spent the past three years with Entercom Alternative KNDD (107.7 The End)/Seattle doing nights and hosting the station’s Saturday night Electronic specialty show Subtronic End. Prior to his time in Seattle, Van Lue spent five years with Nile FM in Cairo, Egypt.
“Zach’s diverse background, deep knowledge of music and digital aptitude make him an ideal addition to the 91X team,” said 91X GM Gregg Wolfson. Van Lue commented, “It truly is an honor to be a part of 91X. I’m right at home with the history and heritage of this iconic station, which continues to pioneer the future of Alternative radio and enrich the region’s lifestyle… and living in San Diego doesn’t suck.” Van Lue fills the afternoon vacancy that had been occupied by former PD Mike Halloran, who exited in January.
• At last, our long regional nightmare is over… Magic Broadcasting Top 40 WILN (Island 106)/Panama City, FL has a new morning show! Jenn Ryan is reporting for wake-up duty, beginning March 27. As OM/PD Marc Summers explains, “Jenn will be stepping up to the big chair (and mic), creating a completely new show from the ground up for Island 106.” Ryan will team up with existing co-host Jimmy Phillips and succeeds Mandy Williamson, who recently left to do mornings on LM Communications’ Hot AC WCDA (Your 106.3)/Lexington, KY.
Ms. Ryan arrives from Kansas City, where she most recently did middays on KCHZ and mornings KCJK. Her earlier stops include WKDD/Akron, OH, WZYP/Huntsville, AL and KLLY and KBKO/Bakersfield. “I’ve always said ‘I want to be the host of a morning show,’ and now I’ll be doing just that on an amazing heritage station, Island 106!” Ryan said. “Thank you Marc Summers and GM Misty Sims for giving me this incredible opportunity! I can’t wait to join the team at Island 106 and start waking up Panama City!” Sims commented, “After watching Magic Broadcasting lose half our staff to large markets over the last two years, it’s nice to see the big guys paying it back… and what a great talent, too. Spend five minutes in a room with Jenn and two things are inescapable — 1) she’s a radio fanatic, and 2) she won’t take Marc’s shit! Really, what more could I ask for?”
