Elroy Smith Exits KBLX/San Francisco
• Veteran programmer Elroy Smith just announced that Monday was his last day as Program Director of Bonneville’s legendary 102.9 KBLX/San Francisco. “The west coast was never on my radar,” Smith said, “but thanks to Pat Paxton, [previous owner Entercom], and Market Manager Steve DiNardo, who both gave me the opportunity to oversee this iconic radio station for close to five years.”
Smith continued, “I want to also thank Bonneville CEO Darrell Brown, the previous and current market managers, Carl Gardner & Val Maki, respectively, and Brian Figula, Director of Programming Operations for Bonneville, SF. I cannot forget my programming team and all of my co-workers for embracing me since the day I became the program director. During my tenure at KBLX, my most memorable moment was when were able to achieve becoming the No. 1 music station in a market that is extremely diverse, with a very small African American community. It showed us, that a diverse city such as San Francisco, loves R&B music. I will miss the genuine camaraderie of my co-workers. Since radio is in my DNA, I desire to do nothing, other than compelling and competitive radio.”
Smith arrived in San Francisco in early 2016 after a stint as OM of SummitMedia’s cluster in Greenville-Spartanburg, SC. Before that he was OM of Radio One Philadelphia and PD of Urban AC WRNB (Old School 100.3) and Inspirational WPPZ (Praise 103.9). He also oversaw all of Radio One’s Inspirational stations. Earlier in his career Smith spent 15 years in Chicago as OM/PD of Clear Channel Urban WGCI, Urban AC WVAZ (V103) and OM of Gospel WGRB-AM, and back in the day, Smith was VP of Programming of Nash Communications and PD of the legendary WILD-AM/Boston.
In closing, Smith said, “I am exploring any new and exciting opportunities. I am walking out of Bonneville Int’l better equipped than ever before. I have the drive, the heart, the tools, the knowledge, skills and abilities, to share with my new radio home.” Elroy can be reached at elroy.radio@gmail.com.
