Winford Named PD of KSKS/Fresno

• Congrats to Andy Winford, PD of Cumulus Country KATM (Kat Country 103)/Modesto-Stockton, CA, who has earned a return trip to Fresno — on a regular basis — he’s been awarded bonus PD stripes for sister KSKS (93.7 Kiss Country)/Fresno. The new gig comes with a free two-hour drive up and back on the 99 Freeway, as Winford will commute between both markets.

Patty Hixon, VP/Market Manager of Cumulus Fresno, said, “I’m thrilled to have Andy join our team in Fresno. Kiss is a formidable brand in Central California and having Andy take on this new challenge along with programming KAT Country in Modesto will provide a wonderful synergy never before seen in Central California. Two very historical brands will be super-serving our listeners during this most critical time in our lives. Andy has great knowledge of both markets and platforms… He’ll be a great asset to Kiss!” Winford commented, “I couldn’t be more excited to lead Central California’s most powerful Country brand. The cupboard is full of excellent talent and a sales and marketing team second to none. Time to go to work!”

Winford has programmed KAT Country 103 since December 2016. Before that he worked for Townsquare Media as Brand Manager of KIT-AM and KATS-FM/Yakima, WA, and he previously ran Townsquare’s group in Billings, MT. Earlier in his career Winford held programming positions at CHBN (91.7 The Bounce)/Edmonton, Alberta,and he was Director of FM Programming for iHeartMedia San Luis Obispo, CA. [Ed. note: This isn’t Andy’s first Fresno radio rodeo — he previously programmed KKBZ & KHIT, and I was privileged to work with him in the late ’80s at the former KYNO-FM/Fresno].

• Winford succeeds former Kiss PD Steve Pleshe, who resigned in May and joined Monument Records as Director of Regional Promotion.