The Programming Dept.

• In a festive ceremony held in a hastily constructed “Rose Garden” at CBS Radio Philadelphia, VP of Music Programming Shelly Easton bestowed fully functional Asst. PD stripes upon three most deserving individuals — Mark “Razz” Radziewicz (left) of Country WXTU; Nicky G. (center) of Classic Hits WOGL and Michael Bennett (right) representing AC WTDY (Today’s 96.5). All three will retain their existing Music Director responsibilities for their respective stations.

Easton remarked, “Razz, Bennett and Nicky G. have each excelled on behalf of their individual radio brands, which makes them the ideal choices for these newly expanded roles. I’m excited to watch each of them continue to grow at our music stations.”

• Townsquare Media Urban WBLK/Buffalo has filled its Brand Manager vacancy with the hire of major market vet Jay Hicks. The position has been open since March when Chris Reynolds exited after 14 years.

Hicks (left) most recently spent 5 1/2 years as PD of Radio One Urban WGPR (Hot 107.5)/Detroit until his departure in January of this year. Before that he programmed MacDonald Broadcasting Urban WQHH (Power 96.5)/Lansing, MI.

Commenting on his new position, Hicks said, “It is an honor and a privilege to program such a heritage station as WBLK. There is a lot of history; a lot of great moments, and I want build on it and make an impact on the Buffalo community and continue to carry that heritage torch.”