Brake Named OM Of Cumulus Savannah
• Last Friday we hinted that Don Brake was leaving his PD post at Cumulus Country KAYD/Beaumont, TX for a new gig TBA — the proverbial cat is now out of the bag, as the company announced that Brake is transferring to beautiful Savannah, GA, as OM of the four-station group and PD of Country cousin WJCL (Kix 96), succeeding the retiring Gerry McCracken.
Brake joined KAYD in July 2018, shortly after he left West Virginia Radio Corporation, where he had served in the dual role of MD/midday host on WKKW/Morgantown, WV and afternoon talent on WVMD/Cumberland, MD since June 2017. Brake’s previous programming stops include WFRE/Frederick MD, WHWK/Binghamton, NY and APD/MD/mornings on WCAT/Harrisburg, PA. Brake was also Operations Manager of Verstandig Broadcasting’s Hagerstown, MD & Chambersburg, PA stations and PD of WAYZ/Hagerstown.
Cumulus RVP Eric Mastel said, “We are very excited to welcome Don to the Cumulus Savannah family. Don’s extensive experience and wealth of knowledge in both programming and operations will be crucial to maintaining and increasing Cumulus Savannah’s market dominance. Gerry McCracken (soon to be retired) did an exemplary job growing WJCL to the levels it has achieved. We will always be grateful for his contributions. As we say farewell to Gerry and welcome to Don, there is no limit to the heights that Cumulus Savannah will achieve!”
Brake commented, “I have to thank Charlie Cook, Doug Hamand and Elizabeth Blackstock for opening the door to Cumulus for me at KAYD/Beaumont. We have made great progress with the station, including the rebranding to ‘Texas Country, KD 101.7.’ My wife America, my daughter Naomi and I are excited about our planned long-term relocation to Savannah. I also look forward to working with Eric Mastel and Greg Freyoverseeing operations for Cumulus Savannah and continuing the work started by Gerry McCracken with Kix 96 WJCL.” Brake can be congratulated at Don.Brake@cumulus.com.
Cumulus Savannah includes WJCL (Kix 96), Urban WEAS (E93); Urban AC WTYB (Magic 103.9); and Classic Rock WIXV (I-95).
