WODE/Allentown Names New PD, PM Jock

• Cumulus Classic Rock WODE (99.9 The Hawk)/Allentown, PA makes some moves, naming company vet Sal Palazzolo as Program Director and promoting longtime Hawk weekend jock Glenn “Mitch” Mitchell to afternoon drive. Palazzolo (left) previously programmed Alternative sister WWYY (Spin Radio 107.1)/Stroudsburg, PA until last October, when the frequency flipped to a simulcast of Country WCTO (Cat Country 96)/Allentown.

Elizabeth Pembleton, VP/Market Manager, Cumulus Lehigh Valley/Poconos, PA, said, “It’s exciting to welcome Sal to this new role with 99.9 The Hawk. The support from the entire Cumulus staff, especially WODE air talent and Corporate Programming, has been outstanding. This promotion was well deserved and earned through commitment and dedication. It’s an honor to have an individual of Sal’s caliber guiding one of our flagships. I’m particularly proud of his first decision as PD, announcing Mitch as the anchor of afternoon drive.”

OM Jerry Padden commented, “I’m so proud that Sal has stepped up and earned this position! I’m looking forward to some great collaboration with him. Mitch is a market staple, and he will be a huge asset in the primetime PM drive slot on 99.9 The Hawk.”

Palazzolo said, “It’s an honor to take the reins at 99.9 The Hawk and steer this heritage brand, aided by our amazing team, to continued success. I want to thank Greg Frey, Troy Hanson, Elizabeth Pembleton and Jerry Padden for this great opportunity!” Mitchell noted, “99.9 The Hawk has been on the air for 19 years and I’ve been fortunate enough to be a part of the team for 18 of those years. Classic Rock is in my blood and it’s part of who I am, so I’m thrilled to be assuming a more prominent role as the PM drive personality while still maintaining my longtime weekend on-air presence. Hawk listeners and The Hawk Workforce are a dedicated and loyal group of Classic Rock audiophiles, and my whole motivation is to entertain and inform while cranking out the greatest Classic Rock of the ’70s, ’80s and More!”