Farneda MD Again At WXRT

CBS Radio Triple A WXRT/Chicago sets the Wayback Machine™ to 2001 and once again names John Farneda as Music Director. The move is strictly a formality, as Farnedan (left), a 30-year XRT veteran, previously occupied the MD office from 2001-2014. Last month, when XRT’s most recent MD Kelly Ransford was named Director of Event Marketing for iHeartMedia Denver, Farneda returned as interim MD. Farneda reports to WXRT OM/PD Greg Solk, who commented, “Christmas has come early to WXRT. John’s rich history here and his unequalled knowledge of the Chicago rock market make him the perfect programming partner. John is WXRT.”

Farneda began his lengthy tenure at WXRT in 1983 as a public affairs intern for WXRT midday host Terri Hemmert. Two years later he was upped to Assistant MD under then MD (and current XRT morning host) Lin Brehmer. In 2001 Farneda was promoted to APD/MD and later added Operations Director stripes, prior to leaving the music business in 2014 to focus on the extensive renovation of his historic Frank Lloyd Wright landmark home in west suburban Riverside.

Now stylishly sporting his reclaimed stripes, Farneda said, “I’m very fortunate to rejoin my beloved colleagues at WXRT. I’m extremely excited to finally have the opportunity to work with Greg Solk — he’s a proven winner and I’m looking forward to working closely with him to steer WXRT to a new level of programming excellence.”