Max Media Virginia Elevates McKay & Hoyt
• Max Media of Coastal Virginia is proud to announce a pair of major programming moves that strengthen its leadership team and on-air lineup across two of its flagship stations — Country WGH-FM (97.3 The Eagle) and Hot AC/Yacht Rock WTWV (92.9 The Wave).
Barry McKay (left), a popular longtime voice in Coastal Virginia radio, has been promoted from his midday role on 97.3 The Eagle to Program Director/Brand Manager and afternoon personality for 92.9 The Wave. At the same time, Jerry Hoyt (right) has been promoted to APD for 97.3 The Eagle and will take over McKay’s former midday shift. These dual promotions follow last week’s departure of OM Jay West.
“Barry McKay is one of those rare talents who was born to program, and watching him step into his own with a brand new format at 92.9 The Wave is exactly the kind of move that gets you excited for someone’s future,” said Karen West, PD/morning co-host of 97.3 The Eagle. “And Jerry Hoyt? Eagle listeners already know and love him — 11 years in the building, and it’s finally his moment to shine on the midday stage. Barry and Jerry, two big wins at once.”
“Barry was the obvious choice to take on Program Director and afternoon host duties for 92.9 The Wave,” said Keith Barton, VP/GM of Max Media of Coastal Virginia. “With eight years on our team and decades as a well-known voice in the market, he brings both leadership and a strong connection to our listeners. At the same time, Jerry ‘The Hit Man/Swiss Army Knife’ Hoyt has been an invaluable part of our team for more than 15 years. His versatility and commitment are unmatched, as he has contributed across production, engineering, IT, and on-air, always stepping up wherever needed. We’re thrilled to have Jerry step into the midday role and Assistant Program Director responsibilities at 97.3 The Eagle.”
Barry McKay has been part of Coastal Virginia radio for decades. Prior to joining The Eagle in April 2024, McKay programmed former Entercom Hot AC WPTE (94.9 The Point)/Norfolk. His resume includes programming stops with Sandusky Radio Seattle and WMXB (B103.7)/Richmond, and he was APD at KHMX (Mix 96.5)/Houston and WERQ (92Q)/Baltimore in the mid-’90s.
Hoyt began his career as a part-time jock at WNVZ (Z104)/Norfolk and later became the final evening air talent at WVKL (Kool 95.7). His journey also took him to Washington, D.C., where he worked on-air at the late WWZZ (Z104) and spent nearly a decade with CBS Radio. After a stop at WFLS/Fredericksburg, VA, he rejoined Max Media in 2015.
