Moving Day At CMG Tampa
• RAMP has confirmed multiple moves inside the programming ranks at Cox Media Group Tampa — stand by for the official corporate release, but here is the basic scenario: Rick Thomas is exiting as Operations Manager of the cluster and Director of Branding & Programming for Top 40 WPOI (Hot 101.5), AC WDUV and Hot AC WWRM (Magic 94.9) at the end of his contract. Thomas joined CMG Tampa Bay in Feb. 2017, following a run PD of then CBS Radio Top 40 WBMP (92.3 AMP Radio) in his hometown of New York.
Thomas told RAMP, “Clearly I have grown great brands here, with WDUV at the top of almost every ranker, Magic 94.9 is growing, and turning around WPOI to beat ‘FLZ. After years of the 19-hour days it took to build those brands it’s time to reconnect with my family.” He added, “I want to thanks Keith Lawless and Cox for the opportunity in Tampa. It’s been a fun run. As far as the future goes, I want to get in more in touch with what I love about this business. I’ve always been known as a turnaround guy, never afraid of what others might consider difficult situations. I want to build brands, teach a team and using all the platforms available these days both digital and broadcast to connect with and thrill listeners.”
• Now, the rest of the CMG Tampa programming puzzle pieces: Will Calder (left), Director of Branding & Programming for Top 40 sister WPYO (Power 95.3)/Orlando will add programming oversight for Hot 101.5/Tampa to his Orlando duties.
And finally… Nathan Reed (right),Director of Marketing and Radio Operations for CMG Tulsa will be transferring to Tampa to program WWRM and WDUV. The company is now actively seeking a successor for Reed in Tulsa. Qualified candidates are invited to make their presence known to CMG VP of Radio Programming Steve Smith at Steve.Smith@coxinc.com. The official press releases will be issued next week.
