KC Ups O’Reilly; Gains With Payne
• Cumulus Media makes two strong moves in Kansas City — Mike O’Reilly is named PD of Alternative KCJK (X105.1), and veteran programmer Al Payne joins the company as the new PD of Urban KMJK (Magic 107.3).
O’Reilly (left) retains his current role as PD/afternoon talent on Top 40 KCHZ (95.7 The Vibe). O’Reilly is a Kansas City native who started his radio career at KCHZ in 1997, launched KCJK in 2004, and did a nine-year run at KFMB-FM/San Diego until moving back to Kansas City in 2015 as PD of KCHZ. Donna Baker, Midwest RVP/Market Manager, Cumulus Kansas City, said, “Mike O’Reilly’s exceptional knowledge of these formats, passion to win, and respect as a leader on our team and in our community have earned this well deserved promotion. He is one of the best in the business.”
Doug Hamand, Cumulus VP of Programming Operations, added, “Mike is an amazing, smart, lives-the-lifestyle PD for both Vibe and now X105.1. I’m so anxious to see what great things he will do for ‘Kansas City’s Alternative.'” O’Reilly remarked, “How often do you get to return to your hometown with the opportunity to run and manage the stations that started it all for you? Thanks to Doug Hamand and Donna Baker for this rare opportunity! I have such a rich history with both of these signals, not to mention, THE hardest working support teams well equipped to take X105-1 and 95-7 The VIBE to entirely new levels in KC.”
• Payne (right) most recently programmed Beasley Throwback WMGC (105.1 The Bounce)/Detroit. Before that he was Director of Urban Programming for Alpha Media in Louisville. Payne’s lengthy career also includes an 11-year run with Radio One, the last six as OM of WERQ & WWIN/Baltimore. Other programming department stops include WKYS/Washington; WDMK & WHTD/Detroit; WCDX & WKJS/Richmond, VA; KRNB/Dallas; WQMG/Greensboro and WMNX/Wilmington, NC.
Baker commented, “Al Payne brings proven leadership with a clear vision of winning to the helm of our talented Magic 107.3 team. He’s the perfect choice to rekindle KMJK to a new level of success.” Hamand said, “Al made a bunch of successful noise in Detroit! He’s so plugged into what the Urban AC community needs. He will definitely wake our sleeping giant at Magic 107.3.” Payne commented, “I’m ready to help maximize the Magic in KC with this great team Donna has put in place. The vibe of this city is incredible and I’m ready to dig in!”
