New Adventures Await Charlie Cook
• RAMP has confirmed that Country Radio Hall of Famer Charlie Cook has tendered his resignation as Cumulus VP of Country and OM/PD of Country duo WKDF (103.3 Country) & WSM-FM (95.5 Nash Icon)/Nashville, effective May 31. It’s a move that has been in the works for a year, as Cook explains, “Last April I let Market Manager Allison Warren, Chief Content Officer Brian Philips and SVP of Programming Operations John Dimick know of my intentions to find a new challenge… They asked me to give them a year…”
Cook added, “Well, here we are almost a year later, and it’s time for me to move away from an experience that I have loved for something new and different. Brian, John and Allison are searching for my successor.” That position is now posted on the Cumulus Careers portal.
Philips noted, “Charlie Cook’s accomplishments and awards are the stuff of Nashville legend. He is, of course, in character, irreplaceable. I foresee a future where we will always rely on his wise counsel. He represents the gold standard among Cumulus employees. We are deeply grateful for his immeasurable contributions.”
Cook joined Cumulus Nashville in Jan. 2014 as OM of the cluster and PD of Country duo WSM-FM and WKDF. He was promoted to Corporate VP of Country in Jan. 2016 — a role he previously held from 2006-2008 during his first stint with Cumulus. Cook’s earlier gigs include President of McVay/Cook & Associates, VP of Programming for West Virginia Radio Corporation, PD of KKGO (Go Country 105)/Los Angeles and VP of Programming for the Westwood One Radio Network.
Warren remarked, “Charlie has been a vital part of the Cumulus, and specifically, the WKDF/WSM-FM families for the past nine years. He has helped shape and drive the format of both 103.3 Country and 95.5 Nash Icon, bringing joy and entertainment to countless listeners. He is not only a talented professional, but also a loyal friend and a passionate music lover. We cannot thank him enough for his years of service, dedication, and creativity. We wish him the very best in whatever adventures are ahead. He will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.” Until May 31, your best wishes can be shared with Charlie at charlie.cook@cumulus.com.
