Fargo Upped To PD of Rochester’s Zone

• Stephens Media Group (SMG) Alternative WZNE (94.1 The Zone)/Rochester, NY has promoted afternoon drive personality Kobe Fargo to Program Director — the latest chapter in a station makeover that includes the debut of a new morning show on December 1.

Fargo (left) is a Rochester native who got his first radio break at 98WPXY from 1999-2001. He joined the Zone as afternoon drive talent in August. Before that he programmed iHeartMedia Top 40 WWHT (Hot 107.9)/Syracuse, NY from April 2015 until until January, when he was one of many caught up in the company’s massive downsizing campaign. His extensive programming resume also includes WAPE/Jacksonville; WBZW/Pittsburgh; WLDI/West Palm Beach; WIHB/Charleston, SC, WFBC/Greenville, SC and WPUP & WGMG/Athens, GA.

In his new position, Fargo will work closely with Rochester OM Mike McCoy and GM Mike Ninnie on the transformation of The Zone, which includes a new on-air lineup, new branding and other cool stuff. McCoy remarked, “Radio is always in a constant state of change because listeners’ tastes and preferences change. Great radio stations like the Zone need to reflect those changes. It’s part of our responsibility to the greater Rochester area. Stay tuned!” Josh Venable, who oversees SMG’s Alternative stations along with SVP of Programming Bob Thornton, will head up music. The station is actively seeking a midday personality who can also handle the cluster’s digital needs, including graphics, web and social media management.

Fargo exclaimed, “I’m so excited for Rochester to hear The New 94.1 The Zone! We’ll be the only station that reflects the current ALT music scene and equally important, be more inclusive, and engaging with our audience. I’d like to thank Bob Thornton, Mike Ninnie, Mike McCoy and Josh Venable for this exciting opportunity to take The New 94.1 The Zone to new heights!”