Shomby To Consult ‘Backstage Country’

• United Stations has secured the talents of veteran programmer John Shomby as Talent Relations Consultant to Backstage Country, the new five-hour daily show that features Country music stars as rotating hosts. The show was developed by United Stations in conjunction with the seven Beasley Country outlets, which served as its flagship affiliates. In his new role, Shomby will assist with the acquisition and scheduling of the show’s guest hosts and handle industry relations with Nashville record labels and artist management companies, as well as any necessary talent coaching and coordination of the show’s music selection. In May of this year, Shomby established a programming and talent consulting firm, and Backstage Country is now one of his clients.

United Stations EVP of Programming Andy Denemark commented, “The team that brainstormed Backstage Country always imagined this show to be a ‘next level’ project, and the way to stay ahead of the pack is with the best people in the business. John Shomby fits that bill. He is a superstar in the radio industry and beloved in the Country format, and he’s rounding out the team for this show perfectly. Welcome, John!” Shomby added, “Working on this show is going be amazing. Backstage Country has all the elements I love as a programmer, especially the star power. I’m so excited to come on board.”

Shomby most recently worked for Cumulus as Director of NASH Programming and PD of WKDF/Nashvilleuntil April. He previously spent 13 years as Director of Programming for Max Media’s five-station cluster in Norfolk/Virginia Beach. He has served on the Board of Directors for the Country Radio Broadcasters since 2005 and has been its Vice President since 2019. Shomby can be reached at johnshomby@gmail.com.