Pickett Named PD, WayFM Network
• Hope Media Group (HMG) is pleased to announce the promotion of Chris Pickett to WayFM Network Program Director, effective June 23. He succeeds Jeff Evans, who was recently promoted to Vice President of Radio for HMG. Pickett will report to Evans.
Not a bad month for Pickett (left), who joined the company in mid-May as APD/MD for non-comm Christian AC 89.3 KSBJ/Houston. Before that he was Director of Content/OM for Townsquare Media Boise until April, when his position was phased out. He previously spent 16 years with Clear Channel/iHeartMedia, most recently in Las Vegas as PD of AC KSNE (Sunny 106.5) and Rhythmic Real 103.9 (KYMT-HD2). Pickett earlier served as OM for Clear Channel Tucson, and was later upped to Regional SVP of Programming, adding oversight of Las Vegas, El Paso and Tucson. Pickett earlier served as OM of Clear Channel’s Colorado Springs group and PD of KVUU and KKLI. Before that he programmed Leighton Top 40 KCLD/St. Cloud, MN.
“As I prepare to relocate to Houston to focus more fully on our radio brands from the Hope level, we’ve been prayerfully considering the right leadership to guide WayFM’s future,” said Evans. “In the process of discussing our vision for WayFM’ radio and digital impact moving forward, it became clear that we already have the right person on our team. Chris gets our mission, understands our audience, and is wired to lead with creativity and purpose. I’m genuinely excited to see what’s ahead for WayFM with Chris in this role.”
Pickett remarked, “I am deeply honored and grateful for the opportunity to expand my role with Hope Media Group. Collaborating with great talent is truly exciting, and leading the air staff for the iconic WayFM brand will be a privilege.”
HMG notes that WayFM has seen strong momentum over the past year, ranking in the top five in total week listening and mornings in Nashville and South Florida while also achieving new highs in Dallas/Fort Worth — setting the stage for continued growth under Pickett’s leadership.
