Rick Thomas Stepping Down At Beasley Tampa
• Beasley Media Group announced that Rick Thomas has made the decision to step away from his programming role in Tampa as he begins a new chapter, with a focus on spending more time with his family. His last day with the company will be June 1, 2026.
Thomas joined Beasley Media Group Tampa in January 2023 as Brand Manager of the company’s Tampa radio group, which included Rhythmic WLLD (WiLD 94.9), Country 99.5 WQYK, Classic Hits WRBQ (Q105), Latin Pop WYUU (92.5 Maxima), the former WPBB (98.7 The Shark), and former News-Talk 1010 WHFS-AM, while also serving as Program Director of WRBQ & WQYK.
Thomas previously spent two years with SummitMedia as National Format Leader and PD of Top 40 WWST (Star 102.1)/Knoxville, preceded by a stint as VP of Programming for Max Media Denver. Tampa Bay was already familiar territory for market for Thomas, thanks to an earlier stint as as OM of Cox Media Group’s cluster. His extensive programming portfolio also included WBMP/New York, KRTH & KTWV/Los Angeles, KYLD/San Francisco, KSFM/Sacramento, XHRM/San Diego, plus three tours of duty at XHTZ/San Diego and a four-year run with Ohana Broadcasting Honolulu.
“Rick has been an important part of our team here in Tampa, and we’re grateful for the leadership and heart he has brought to the organization,” said Ron deCastro, VP/Market Manager of Beasley Media Group Tampa. “We fully support his decision to focus on his family and this next chapter, and we wish him continued happiness and success in all that lies ahead.”
“Rick has been a steady, respected leader and a true partner across our teams,” said Justin Chase, Beasley Chief Content Officer. “From leading nationally as a format leader at SummitMedia and guiding successful multi-format brands in Tampa, New York, and Los Angeles, Rick brought an incredible depth of experience and strategic vision to Beasley. He has always led with passion, integrity, creativity, and a genuine commitment to both the brands and people around him. We’re grateful for the impact he made across the Tampa cluster and throughout the company, and we wish Rick and his family nothing but the very best in the future.”
Thomas remarked, “It has been an incredible experience working alongside such a talented team. I’m proud of all we’ve accomplished together and deeply appreciative of the relationships built along the way. At this point in my life, I’m looking forward to focusing on family and what comes next.”
