ABQ Country Outlook: Rainey
• Bev Rainey is the newly named Program Director of Cumulus Country 92.3 KRST/Albuquerque, NM. She will also handle the 9am-noon shift. Already incredibly familiar with the ABQ area, Ms. Rainey crosses the street after 20 years at iHeartMedia Country rival KBQI (Big I 107.9) — the last seven years as PD.
In making the big introduction, Jeff Berry, VP/Market Manager of Cumulus Albuquerque, said of Rainey, “KRST provides the very best in Country music and entertainment for our listeners and unmatched results for our promotional partners. I could not be happier to have Bev join this fantastic team. She is known and loved by the audience and respected by the industry. This is a great day for one of America’s great Country brands.”
Berry then handed the mic over to Kris Abrams, Operations Manager/Music Brands, Cumulus Albuquerque, who commented, “With KRST back in the top five P25-54, adding Bev to the talented team of market vets like Juan Velasco (now 3-7pm) and Bobby G (noon-3pm) is a game-changer. Having her at the helm of KRST will only further solidify its dominance.”
Abrams had been the day-to-day PD of KRST, but will now assumed PD responsibilities for AC sister KMGA (Magic 99.5) — third time’s the charm — replacing Bryan Simmons, who recently left. As OM, Abrams will continue to work closely with Rainey on the care and feeding of KRST.
Rainey remarked, “I’m thrilled to join a powerhouse brand like KRST. Having long admired the leadership of Greg Frey, Jeff Berry and Kris Abrams as their competitor and after nearly two decades of working alongside the KRST team with our Country community, I already feel like part of the family. It’s going to be epic!”
