The Programming Dept.
• In an effort to better reflect its Go 96.3 brand, Go-owned Alternative KTWN/Minneapolis has changed its call letters to KQGO-FM (see? GO), effective Jan. 1, 2017. That’s the word from Go President Sam Gagliardi, who says no other changes were made. We think you’ll agree that these new call letters are now also a much better companion for those of Hip Hop sibling KZGO (Go 95.3).
• Cumulus Media Flint, MI announced two programming department upgrades — August Wallace is upped to Operations Manager of the five-station cluster and Tim Shickles is promoted to PD of WFBE (NASH FM 95.1) and WTRX-AM (Sports Xtra 1330). Wallace (left) has been PD of Urban AC WDZZ (Z92.7) for the past ten years and will continue to do middays there. Shickles (right) is a seven-year cluster vet and will remain in afternoons on NASH FM 95.1.
Ed Leick, VP/Market Manager of Cumulus Media Flint, said, “Cumulus is fortunate to have such incredible talents working in our radio stations across the country and right here in Flint, Michigan. It’s my great pleasure to assist in moving these two fine broadcasters to… [Ed. note: thar she blows!]… the next level™ in their careers.”
Wallace said, “I’m excited for the opportunity to help grow the Cumulus Flint brands and as a team, to take our stations to new heights. I’d like to thank Mike McVay, Ed Leick, Ken Johnson and Maurice Devoe for their continued support.” Shickles commented, “This is a huge honor and I’m excited for the challenges and the possibilities that both of these great stations present.”
• Casey Osburn is the new PD/afternoon talent on Entercom Hot AC KFBZ (105.3 The Buzz)/Wichita, KS. Osborn (left) comes to Wichita from Eagle Communications in Hutchinson, KS where he began his radio career in 1998. He was instrumental in launching KHMY (MY 93.1) in 2002, has done mornings and afternoons there and has been the station’s PD since 2009. He replaces Dusty Hayes, who exited last week.
