Mr. Kapugi Goes (Back) To Washington

Jeff Kapugi is making his triumphant return to iHeartMedia — and our Nation’s Capital — as the newly named Region Senior Vice President of Programming for DC and Baltimore and PD of Country WMZQ/Washington. Kapugi arrives from Chicago, where he was most recently VP of Country Programming for CBS Radio and PD of WUSN (US99)/Chicago.

“We are excited to have someone of Jeff’s caliber back at iHeartMedia,” said Michael Preacher, President, iHeartMedia’s DC Region and Government Initiatives. “He is truly one of the most respected programmers in the business and a next-level thinker, which makes him the perfect person to spearhead our programming efforts here in the Washington, DC Region.” Meg Stevens, EVP of Programming for iHeartMedia’s Northeast Division commented, “I could not be more excited to bring Jeff Kapugi to DC. Having worked with him previously, I have firsthand knowledge of his exceptional skills and incredible character. Jeff’s smart, strategic and passionate about the brands and he will be a tremendous asset for our stations.”

This is familiar territory for Kapugi, who notably served as RVP of Programming of the company’s DC/Baltimore cluster and PD of Top 40 WIHT (Hot 99.5)/Washington from February 2006 until August 2008, when he returned to his hometown of Chicago as SVP/COO for Tribune Interactive. Kapugi started his career with Jacor/Clear Channel/iHeartMedia in 1989, and his radio history is highlighted by two tours of duty in Tampa — the first time, he rose to become PD of WFLZ. In 1997, he transferred to St. Louis as PD of KSLZ (Z107.7) & KLOU. Three years later he returned to Tampa as OM of WFLZ, WMTX (Mix 100.7) and then-WSSR (Star 95.7), which later flipped to WBTP (95.7 The Beat). He also programmed CBS Radio’s KEZK (Fresh 102.5) and KYKY (Y98)/St. Louis.

“I’m very excited to head back to iHeartMedia Washington, D.C.,” said Kapugi. “Their team is one of the most talented in the radio industry and I can’t wait to get to work. While I may be leaving my hometown of Chicago, I feel as if I am coming back home.”