Ammons Named OM, Music Brands, Audacy KC
• UPDATED: Audacy Kansas City welcomes JR Ammons back to town as Operations Manager of KQRC (98.9 The Rock), KRBZ (ALT 96.5), WDAF (106.5 The Wolf) and KZPT (99.7 The Point), effective Feb. 1. Ammons will also serve as Brand Manager of The Wolf and The Point.
The move marks a dual reunion for Ammons — he used to work for Entercom (Audacy) Kansas City a decade or so ago. “We couldn’t be happier to welcome JR back to Audacy to lead our collection of music brands here in Kansas City,” said Roxanne Marati, SVP/Market Manager, Audacy Kansas City. “His extensive background operating multiple stations will position him for success, and we look forward to working alongside him in this next chapter of his career.”
A 30-year industry pro, Ammons joins Audacy after spending the last 11 years as Operations Manager for Cumulus Top 40 WZPL, AC WNTR and CBS Sports affiliate WXNT-AM/Indianapolis. Prior to joining WZPL (then owned by Entercom) in Nov. 2010, Ammons spent 11 years at WSTR (Star 94)/Atlanta over two tours of duty, first as APD/MD 1995-2006, and PD when he returned in 2008. In between he earned his programming wings at KMXV/Kansas City and WAPE/Jacksonville.
“I’m so thankful for the 11 years I’ve spent in Indianapolis; we’ve had so much fun, made so many lifelong friends and had so much success,” said Ammons. “But the opportunity to come back to Audacy and work with Roxanne was simply too good to pass up. I couldn’t be more excited to be a part of the team she’s building in Kansas City.”
• In his capacity as OM/PD of The Wolf and The Point, Ammons succeeds market icon (and Country Radio Hall of Famer) Mike Kennedy, who “re-retired” in December. Kennedy famously reigned for 25 years at KBEQ (Q104) before announcing his retirement at the end of 2016. In Sept. 2019, Kennedy was coaxed back into the day-to-day radio world, hired by Entercom as OM/PD of The Wolf and The Point.
• With Ammons’ departure comes a unique opportunity at one of America’s heritage Top 40 stations, WZPL/Indianapolis now needs a new Program Director. This seasoned leader will be at the helm of one of the market’s most iconic and successful radio brands with a long history of delivering ratings and revenues, not to mention the fan-favorite Smiley Morning Show that continues to set the bar for morning radio across the country.
If you think you have what it takes to fill this very important position — successful programming experience, deep knowledge of the Top 40 format, skilled management of personnel, meaningful industry contacts & relationships, top-tier social media proficiency, and the ability to turn sales ideas into promotional wins for our clients & listeners — we want to hear from you. Apply online today via the Cumulus Careers portal. EOE.
