The Michigan Programming Dept.
• iHeartMedia announces a pair of programming upgrades in Michigan — effective immediately, Dave Taft (left) is upped to SVP of Programming for iHeartMedia/West Michigan, covering the Grand Rapids and Muskegon markets. He will continue to have day-to-day programming responsibilities for Country WBCT (B93.7)/Grand Rapids while now also overseeing Top 40 WSNX, Classic Rock WBFX (101.3 The Brew), News/Talk WOOD-AM/FM, AC WSRW (Star 105.7), Sports-Talk WMAX (96.1 ESPN) and Talk WTKG-AM/Grand Rapids, as well as Country WMUS, Classic Rock WMRR (Rock 101.7) and News-Talk WKBZ-AM/Muskegon.
“Dave is an incredible programmer,” said Regional SVP of Programming Tony Travatto. “He’s got the perfect blend of expertise to grow our listeners and clients, and we know he will continue to dominate the media market in West Michigan with our team.” Taft is now fielding congratulatory emails at davetaft@iheartmedia.com.
• Also in Grand Rapids, Jim Costa (right) has been upped from APD to Program Director of WMAX (96.1 ESPN). The station had been under the care and supervision of Phil Tower, who also programs News-Talk duo WOOD-AM/FM & WTKG-AM. Costa will continue to co-host his market-leading afternoon sports-talk show, Big Drew & Jim with Drew McCarthy that is carried on WMAX and WDFN/Detroit. Send your congrats to jimcosta@iheartmedia.com.
