The Birmingham Programming Dept.

• Cumulus has promoted two Birmingham market vets to Program Director roles — Tasha Simone is upped to PD of Urban AC WUHT (Hot 107.7), and Valerie Vining is elevated to PD of WZRR (Talk 99.5).

Simone (left) has been an on-air personality in Birmingham for over 20 years, the last 17 at Hot 107.7. She will remain host of The Midday Groove, weekdays from 10am-2pm. Vining (right), a 30-year market vet will remain co-host of the Dixon & Vining morning show on WZRR. Vining was previously News Director for Cumulus Birmingham for almost 14 years, and also served as APD/MD and midday talent for WAPI-FM for 20 years.

James Robinson, VP/Market Manager, Cumulus Birmingham, said, “Tasha Simone’s commitment to the city and ideas for our client partners made her the right choice to lead our iconic Urban AC, Hot 107.7. Likewise, after an extensive search for a dynamic Program Director for Talk 99.5, it became clear that our own Valerie Vining was the perfect fit. Tasha and Valerie both embody Cumulus Birmingham’s commitment to the community, and we are confident that they will take Hot 107.7 and Talk 99.5 to even greater heights.”

Simone commented: “At this point in my career my time as talent on Hot 107.7, almost 17 years, is longer than my time on any other station. Those years are filled with experiences and knowledge about our brand that few hold. As the first woman to be named Program Director for Hot 107.7, I will now be able to use that bedrock of knowledge and skills to propel us to higher heights in the community and industry. Thank you to Cumulus Media, James Robinson, and Operations Manager Ryan Haney for this historic opportunity.”

Vining remarked, “I’m absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to take on the role of Program Director for Talk 99.5/Birmingham. My radio career, which spans over 30 years, has prepared me for this moment and challenge and I look forward to taking my team to the next level. Thank you to James Robinson and Ryan Haney for believing in me and my abilities. I’m so proud to work for Cumulus Media.”