Bill Hess Signing Off 12/31
• Cumulus Media announced that longtime News/Talk programming pro Bill Hess, who has served as Program Director of News-Talk 105.9 WMAL/Washington, D.C. for the past 15 years, will retire from radio on Dec. 31, capping a remarkable 48-year career of distinction.
Hess’ radio career has spanned on-air and programming management roles, including VP of News/Talk for Cumulus Media’s 43 News/Talk stations and Operations Manager for Cumulus D.C.
Hess earlier served as SVP of Programming for Air America Media, and has also programmed music stations during his storied career, including a five-year stint as PD of Clear Channel’s WASH-FM and WBIG-FM/Washington, D.C., Director of Programming for WSNE, WWBB & WHJJ/Providence, and Regional VP of Programming for Capstar Broadcasting in Stamford, CT/Westchester, NY. Hess started his radio career in 1977 as an air personality at WCBG/Chambersburg, PA, followed by five years at WBET-AM & WCAV-FM/Brockton, MA, rising to Program Director of both stations.
Brian Philips, Cumulus Chief Content Officer, said, “Bill is an esteemed leader, teacher and journalist. He possesses intellect, a gift for talent development and strict high standards. It has been our good fortune to work in the trenches with Bill during the overheated recent news cycle. Bill will always be our trusted advisor. We wish Bill great things in retirement and thank him for his uncountable accomplishments with Cumulus Media and our high-performing News/Talk stations — particularly for his work programming our News/Talk flagship, WMAL. His legacy is forever secure.”
Jeff Boden, VP/Market Manager, Cumulus Washington, D.C., commented, “It has been a privilege and a blessing to work alongside Bill. His calm, insightful demeanor and his remarkable ability to attract and lead best-in-class talent has set a standard rarely seen in the News/Talk format.”
Hess remarked, “I’m grateful for these 48 years in the business I love, programming both music and spoken word stations, and working with the most exciting and entertaining teams in radio. Concluding with the past 15 years at WMAL and Cumulus Media has been a true highlight.”
