Davis Named PD Of KZIA/Cedar Rapids

• KZIA Inc. Top 40 KZIA (Z102.9)/Cedar Rapids, IA has appointed Brian Davis as its new Program Director. The position has technically remained open since Jenny Valliere joined Hubbard Hot AC WTMX/Chicago in May 2021. Since then, VP of Programming Chris Jackson has overseen the care and feeding of Z102.9.

Davis (left) spent the past two years with Cumulus Appleton-Oshkosh, WI as Operations Manager of the five-station group and PD of Country WPKR. The new gig also marks a radio homecoming for Davis, who started his broadcasting career in the same building in the mid-’90s when he served as MD/night host for former Country KXMX (Max 102.9).

“Brian and I started our radio careers in the same building, under the direction of the same broadcast professionals,” said Jackson. “Though both of our careers took us many places I’m happy to partner with him back where we both started. Brian Davis is a true radio professional who understands the importance of the Z102.9 brand in Eastern Iowa.” KZIA, Inc. CEO Julie Hein added, “We’re excited to give Brian his building key back! His insight and leadership will be a great addition to our talented team.”

Davis previously served as Brand Manager of Townsquare Classic Rock KXGE (Eagle 102.3) & Classic Hits WDBQ (Q107.5)/Dubuque, IA, preceded by an earlier seven-year run in Appleton-Green Bay as APD/MD with Woodward Radio’s WKSZ & WCHK. He has also programmed Cumulus Top 40 WBNQ/Bloomington, IL and Radio Dubuque Country WVRE/Dubuque, IA.

“There really is no place like home, and I couldn’t be happier to be back where I began my career,” says Davis. “There’s already an enormous ice cream sundae of talent around here and I look forward to being the rainbow sprinkles on top… OK, now I really want ice cream… There’s ice cream in the break room, right?”