Pros In Motion
• Alpha Media announced that Tony Russell will join the morning show at Country KUPL (98.7 The Bull)/Portland, OR next Monday, March 20. Russell will plug in next to McKinzie Roth and Jake Byron and succeeds Chunky, who is leaving after two years and has accepted an unnamed opportunity on the east coast closer to his family. Stand by for details. Russell’s experience includes top rated morning shows in Dallas and Miami, and a decade as co-host of Fitz in the Morning on Entercom Country KKWF (100.7 The Wolf)/Seattle.
Bull PD MoJoe Roberts commented, “Tony’s passion for super-serving the community line up with the core values of Alpha Media. He brings a wealth of experience, a great sense of humor and is no stranger to our audience. We’re thrilled to turn him loose with McKinzie & Jake in mornings. Look out, Portland!” Russell remarked, “This is, without a doubt, the greatest opportunity I’ve had in my broadcasting career. I’m looking forward to working with [SVP/Market Manager] Lisa Decker, and to once again be under the leadership of Radio Guru Scott Mahalick! I’m also excited about working with MoJoe Roberts and Danny Dwyer, who I consider to be the best programming team in Country radio today. Most importantly, I want to thank the very talented McKinzie Roth and Jake Byron for allowing me to join their team!”
• Radio Campensina Rhythmic KBDS (103.9 The Beat)/Bakersfield has inked the talented Alexa Smith to track its midday shift. Ms. Smith was most recently programming Sierra H Broadcasting Rhythmic KNRJ (101.1 The Beat) and Rhythmic Oldies KAJM (Mega 104.3)/Phoenix. Her extensive radio history also includes a stint as APD of CBS Radio’s KTWV (94.7 The Wave)/Los Angeles and stops at KXJM (Jammin’ 95.5)/Portland, KMVQ (MOViN 99.7)/San Francisco, KSFM/Sacramento, XHTZ (Z90)/San Diego and a PD stint back in the day at KSEQ (Q97)/Fresno. Smith is still seeking her next fulltime radio opportunity and can be reached for meaningful conversations at 213-408-9798 or lexycan@gmail.com.
• Dan Markus is joining Cumulus Media of Appleton-Oshkosh, WI to do mornings on Adult Standards WNAM-AM and middays on Classic Hits WVBO, effective Tuesday, March 21. Markus succeeds fellow market vet Chuck Lakefield, who recently moved up from middays to mornings on WVBO. The move marks a return to WNAM and WVBO for Markus, who spent the past 17 years programming Classic Hits sister WOGB in nearby Green Bay, WI. He previously held on-air and programming positions in Duluth, MN, Milwaukee and Fort Atkinson, WI and Springfield, IL.
OM Guy Dark said, “Dan’s track record in the market and his knowledge of both formats make him an ideal fit for this dual role.” Markus commented, “I’m really thrilled to be returning to Cumulus Broadcasting’s WNAM and WVBO. I love the music on both stations. It will be difficult to follow in Chuck Lakefield’s footsteps. He is a well-known and much-loved pro in the Appleton-Oshkosh market, and I congratulate him on his move to WVBO mornings. At the same time, I’m looking forward to delivering the same kind of warm and friendly shows that Chuck is famous for.”
