Trio Of Upgrades At W4 Country/Ann Arbor
• It’s free-cake-in-the-break-room day at Cumulus Ann Arbor, with the big announcement of three staff promotions at WWWW (W4 Country): Morning co-host Brian Welch is upped to Program Director; Matt Missler is awarded afternoon drive; and Promotions Asst. Derek Laughlin rises to full-time Producer. Pictured, (l-r): Welch, Missler & Laughlin
Welch, a native of St. Joseph, MI, moved to Ann Arbor in 2004 to attend the University of Michigan, and joined Cumulus Ann Arbor in 2011, where he quickly rose from Promotions Assistant to weekends, Production Director, and afternoon drive. Alongside his wife, Madison Rally, Welch currently co-hosts the Rally & Welch morning show. Welch will also continue in his long-standing role as station meteorologist.
Missler has served W4 Country in many capacities over his 12-year run, including Promotions Assistant, fill-in host, University of Michigan Women’s Basketball studio host, and producer for multiple sports shows. In 2018, he was promoted to a full-time position overseeing digital content, social media, web editing, and weekend personality.
After nearly four years as a part-time Promotions Assistant, Laughlin is elevated to full-time Producer for W4 Country. He will also create web and social media content and manage events with the Promotions Department while doing weekends on W4 Country. He will continue to produce The Lucy Ann Lance Showon 1290 WLBY and other programming on sister WTKA (The Big 1050).
Lastly, but not leastly… W4 Country expands Veronica Rates‘ midday show from four to five hours, now airing weekdays from 10am-3pm.
Steve Finateri, RVP/Market Manager, Cumulus Detroit & Ann Arbor, said, “These promotions reflect the incredible talent and dedication of our W4 Country team. Brian Welch’s elevation to Program Director is especially exciting — his deep roots in the community, creative vision, and years of on-air experience make him the ideal leader to guide the station’s next chapter. Alongside Matt and Derek’s new roles, we’re confident these moves will position us to deliver even more engaging, local content to our listeners and greater value to our advertisers.”
Welch commented, “The hallmark of W4 Country has always been community involvement, and that won’t change as long as I have a say. Our lineup also brings consistency; while the schedule has changed, we’ve all been a part of this station and our listeners’ lives for years. W4 Country is a family, and I’m honored to be leading it.”
