Russo Coming Home To Buffalo
• Cumulus Classic Rock WGRF (97 Rock)/Buffalo, NY has appointed Joe Russo as its new Program Director. Russo, who starts in a few weeks, earns the transfer back to his hometown after a six-year run as PD of Classic Rock sister 94.9 KCMO/Kansas City. Russo will also take the programming reins of Talk1270 WHLD/Buffaloand Classic Rock sister WQHZ (Z102.3) Erie, PA.
Jim Riley, VP/Market Manager of Cumulus Buffalo, said, “If there is one programmer who truly understands the special place that 97 Rock occupies in the Western New York landscape, it’s Joe Russo. Not only did Joe grow up listening to 97 Rock, he has years of experience programming in Buffalo, and is one of the most successful programmers in the Cumulus organization. Joe is the ideal candidate to take the reins at 97 Rock and is uniquely qualified to provide continuity for the 97Rock brand and build on the station’s success for the future.” Donna Baker, RVP/Market Manager of Cumulus Kansas City, noted, “Joe’s leadership of the talented 94.9 KCMO team delivered record-high ratings, with all dayparts currently No. 1 in KC. We appreciate his contributions in KC and wish him the very best in continuing to win with Cumulus Buffalo.”
Prior to joining KCMO in August 2015, Russo was a programming consultant for Jack FM syndicator Sparknet Communications. Prior to that, he spent nearly a decade in Buffalo as Brand Manager of Townsquare Media Adult Hits WBUF (92.9 Jack FM), and later, Adult Hits Brand Leader for Townsquare Media. Russo commented, “Growing up in Buffalo, 97 Rock set the bar. I’ve been an admirer of the station throughout my career and will respect its legacy. I’m excited to be able to work with some of the best talent, not only from Western New York, but from across the country. I’d like to thank Jim Riley, John Dimick and Brian Philips for putting their faith in me while we continue to grow the 97 Rock brand. I’d also like to thank Donna Baker and Doug Hamand, who knew how important it was for me to come home. And for the record, I eat my wings with bleu cheese, not ranch.”
• Rock 97 has been in a state of flux, to put it mildly, since mid-March, when former morning hosts Rob Lederman, Rich Gaenzler and Chris Klein were suspended, and later, terminated, after airing a racially controversial segment. Longtime PD John Hager was also fired following the incident.
