Brian Thomas Named PD of Kicks/Atlanta

• Cumulus Media keeps it in the family and names Brian Thomas as the new Program Director of Country WKHX (Kicks 101.5)/Atlanta. He succeeds Scott Lindy, who exited last week. Thomas earns the transfer from Chicago, where since July 2015 he has programmed Classic Hits WLS-FM. He’s also a member of Cumulus Corporate Programming Team for Country and VP of Programming, Classic Hits.

Sean Shannon, VP/Market Manager of Cumulus Media Atlanta, commented, “I’m thrilled to have Brian join our team. His knowledge and his passion for Country is contagious. I can’t wait to see what he can do with this legendary brand.” Atlanta Operations Manager Louie Diaz added, “It’s an exciting time for us, and Kicks 101.5. Atlanta is ready for Brian. Time to turn it up!”

Before landing in Chicago Thomas programmed Cumulus Country WNSH (NASH FM 94.7)/New York City. Prior to joining Cumulus in April 2014, he served as National VP of Classic Hits programming for CBS Radio. He was also VP of Programming for CBS Radio Tampa and PD of Country WQYK and Classic Hits WRBQ (Q105)/Tampa.

Thomas remarked, “It was always my dream to program WLS-FM in Chicago, but I started in Country and everyone knows I love it. And although I am Corporate Program Director for Country at Cumulus, it’s not the same as having a Country station down the hall. I’m beyond thrilled that Sean Shannon, Mike McVay and Charlie Cook have confidence in me to program Kicks, one of America’s leading Country stations. And I’m looking forward to working with Louie Diaz and the team at Cumulus Atlanta!”