Double NRG Infusion In Omaha

• Those two delicious trade-for-mentions cakes in the break room at NRG Media‘s Omaha broadcast complex indicates the hire of two new executives — 1) on the programming side, Mike Thompson is named AM Operations Manager and PD of heritage News-Talk 1290 KOIL-AM, Sports-Talk duo KOZN-AM (1620 The Zone) and KZOT (1180 The Zone 2) and Regional Mexican KMMQ-AM/K258DC (La Nueva 1020 & 99.5). 2) Over on the sales side of the building, Scott Vowinkle is named Director of Sales for the seven-station cluster, which also includes Hot AC KQKQ (Sweet 98.5), Adult Hits KOOO (101.9 The Keg) and Rhythmic KOPW (Power 106.9).

Mark Shecterle, Market Manager of NRG Media Omaha said of Thompson (left), “Mike has an extensive resume in programming AM News and Sports stations across the country. He has worked at ESPN Radio in New York and Los Angeles and hired Max Kellerman and Stephen A. Smith.” Prior to that Thompson worked at WCNN/Atlanta, the former KXTA (XTRA Sports 1150)/Los Angeles (running the Dodgers Radio Network), KTCK (1310 The Ticket)/Dallas, WABC/New York, NBC Radio New York and other stations.” Shecterle added, “Mike will be a great addition to our already talented and award-winning staff, and has an outstanding programming mind as well as a strong sales mentality.”

Thompson, who was most recently involved in acting and voice work in Los Angeles, said, “I’m excited to join a great brand of sports and news talk with NRG Media in Omaha. NRG Media’s slogan is ‘Great Local Radio’ — for me that’s what I’m all about. Working with Mark Shecterle and talented hosts and producers, it will be rewarding to always live up to that slogan.” The AM OM spot has been vacant since last summer when Dave Tepper was named PD of Altitude Sports Radio in Denver.

• Scott Vowinkle most recently served as General Sales Manager for Cumulus Media in Beaumont, TX. Prior to that, Vowinkle held a similar position with Scripps in Tulsa and Omaha, so this is familiar territory for him. Earlier in his career Vowinkle was VP of Business Development at the RAB in Dallas and VP/GM of the Hispanic Marketing Group division of Hispanic Broadcasting in San Antonio. Shecterle commented, “I’m very excited to bring in a seasoned sales professional to lead our Omaha team. Scott has an extensive resume when it comes to sales management as well as new business development, digital sales, NTR and retail marketing experience.”