Cumulus Raises Two Matching Wolves

• We’ve been following this story since last week, and the final pieces have been moved into place — as you know, Cumulus formally flipped WWKX (Hot 106)/Providence from Rhythmic to Classic Rock on Saturday, Nov. 2, launching the all-new 106.3 The Wolf.

Now, the details: as we earlier reported, the Cumulus cluster in neighboring New London, CT will now be programmed from Providence — the new 106.3 The Wolf is now aligned with Classic Rock sister WMOS (102.3 The Wolf)/New London. The stations will share music, personalities, and features — but will have separate commercial breaks, separate local service elements, and local promotions and events in both markets.

It was concurrently announced that Doug MacGunnigle (left), Providence Talk & Sports Program Director has been promoted to Regional Program Director for News-Talk and Classic Rock for Southern New England and will have direct oversight of both 102.3 and 106.3 The Wolf, as well as News-Talk WPRO (630 AM/99.7)& Sports Talk WPRV (790 The Score)/Providence, along with News-Talk 980 WXLM/New London.

Mike English, longtime morning host on 102.3 The Wolf/New London will now also be heard in morning drive on the new 106.3 The Wolf. Additional well-known local personalities will be announced soon. Both stations will also carry Steve Gorman Rocks! weeknights from 7-midnight, and on Sundays will air Flashback, hosted by Matt Pinfield, and Sammy Hagar’s Top Rock Countdown.

Holly Paras, RVP, Cumulus Providence/New London, said, “The signals of 102.3 and 106.3 complement each other. It’s exciting to have true Classic Rock music return to Southern New England with the launch of 106.3 The Wolf in Providence.”

MacGunnigle commented, “We’re excited to add Classic Rock to our portfolio of stations in Providence. I’m grateful for the opportunity and the challenge of bringing a different take on Classic Rock to Rhode Island. I’d also like to thank John Dimick, James Kurdziel and Jeff Schroeder from Cumulus Programming, and my programming colleague Mary Ellen Kachinske in Providence for their support.”