Departure Day For Thomas & Halloran
Major PD news broke from both coasts yesterday — let’s start in New York City, where RAMP confirmed that Rick Thomas is stepping down as PD of CBS Radio Top 40 WBMP (AMP Radio 92.3), effective at the end of the week. We understand that until a new PD is named, the care and feeding of AMP Radio will be handled by Michael Martin, who doubles as CBS Radio’s SVP of Programming & Music Initiatives and Top 40 Format Captain.
Thomas (pictured here with Alicia Keys) told RAMP, “I will be holding a benefit car wash and bake sale at the entrance to the Lincoln Tunnel on Friday, but hope to announce better things in a few months…” On a more serious note, Thomas said, “When you’re coming up on the end of a contract, you begin to do some soul-searching as to what the best plan for the future might be for both career and family. I’m very thankful to CBS, Chris Oliviero, Marc Rayfield and Scott Herman for their respect and understanding. I have begun engaging in conversations and will keep you posted.”
Thomas has been in Market No. 1 since May 2014, when he earned a transfer from Market No. 2 — he programmed CBS Radio Classic Hits KRTH (K-Earth 101) and oversaw the transition of KTWV (94.7 The Wave) from Smooth AC to Urban AC. His extensive programming resume includes stints at KYLD (Wild 94.1)/San Francisco, KSFM/Sacramento and XHRM (Magic 92.5)/San Diego, plus three tours of duty at XHTZ (Z90.3)/San Diego. Prior to joining CBS Radio in May 2013 Thomas spent four years as Director of Programming for Ohana Broadcasting in Honolulu. Looking ahead, Thomas can be reached at rico925@hotmail.com.
• In an equally surprising development, it was also announced yesterday that San Diego radio mainstay Mike Halloran was exiting the PD/afternoon drive post at Local Media San Diego Alternative XTRA (91X).
Halloran’s illustrious history with 91X dates all the way back to his debut there in 1986. He later spent seven years as MD/afternoon dude with crosstown rival KBZT (FM94/9) until January of 2010. Halloran returned to 91X in September of 2011 to host the station’s Sunday night local-music show Loudspeaker. He was awarded the afternoon shift in April 2012 and promoted to PD in October of 2014
It’s interesting to note that Halloran’s departure comes some 24 hours after Garett Michaels tendered his resignation as PD/afternoon personality on sister KFMB (100.7 KFM-BFM) and Director of Rock Programming for KFM-BFM and 91X. Michaels will continue to consult 91X. Our email to VP/GM Gregg Wolfson was unreturned at press time. Halloran can be contacted at halloran@att.net.
