Strickland Answers Higher Calling

After a decade of service with Townsquare Media in Lansing, MI, Josh Strickland announced he is stepping down as Brand Manager of Top 40 WJIM (97.5 NOW FM) and AC WFMK, effective July 5 and going to work for Smile FM, a non-profit, non-commercial Contemporary Christian network that broadcasts locally on 88.1 WLGH/Lansing and on 25 stations in Michigan, Ohio and Arkansas. Strickland will serve in the newly created position of Director of Localism, tailoring the network’s content to each market they serve. And in a nod to his current role as the popular host of Josh Strickland In The Morning on 97.5 NOW FM, Strickland will also appear on Smile FM’s Morning Espresso with Jenn and Brian. Morning Espresso co-host Jenn Czelada, who is also a co-Founder of Smile FM commented, “We’re excited to have Josh join the Smile FM team. His wealth of knowledge in mainstream radio, combined with his heart for families makes him a great fit for Smile FM.”

Strickland says a variety of factors influenced his decision to leave Mainstream radio for the “Positive Hits” network, including his desire to be “a representative of music whose message much more closely aligns with my personal values” — something he said is particularly important as it relates to his role as a father. Strickland remarked, “My time at 97.5 NOW FM has defined my career and I love everyone at Townsquare-Lansing, but I have wanted to join the Smile FM team for a long time… and the time is right, now.”