Kurdziel Named PD of KQRS/Minneapolis
• James Kurdziel has been tapped as the new Program Director of Cumulus Classic Rock KQRS/Minneapolis. Kurdziel earns the transfer from the PD/midday post at Alternative sister WEDG (103.3 The Edge)/Buffalo, NY, and will also hang onto that gig until a successor is named there. Kurdziel will maintain his role as Regional VP of Programming-Rock, for Cumulus stations in the Northeastern U.S.
Shelly Malecha Wilkes, VP/Market Manager of Cumulus Minneapolis, said, “We’re very excited to have James take the reins of KQRS. He brings great energy, enthusiasm, perspective and experience. James has a combination of respect for this iconic brand and great zeal to make it even better.”
Kurdziel’s current boss, Jim Riley, VP/Market Manager of Cumulus Buffalo, commented, “We’re extremely proud to see James take the helm at KQRS. It’s a well deserved move for a creative and talented guy who came to work as a morning show intern years ago and evolved, through a lot of very hard work, into the driving visionary behind the station’s brand. In Buffalo, we’ve got two rock stations in the same building and James has managed to create and execute plans that allowed both stations to win and thrive. He’s a perfect choice for the KQ job.”
Kurdziel remarked, “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I’m beyond grateful. Being at the helm of KQRS, and working with Tom Barnard and the talented staff there is humbling and I’m thrilled. My thanks to Dave Milner, Bob Walker, Shelly Wilkes, Brian Philips, John Dimick, Doug Hamand, Greg Frey and Troy Hanson, all among the best there is. I’d also like to thank Mike McVay for guiding me along the way. Getting to work more closely with Derek Madden and Wade Linder is truly exciting. Finally, I’m thankful to everyone in Buffalo, especially Jim Riley, for their support and guidance.” The KQRS PD post has been without a permanent PD since Scott Jameson exited in January.
