PORTLAND, ORE. — For a quarter century, Gene Sandbloom has been an integral part of the operations of one of the nation’s most iconic Alternative Rock stations: KROQ-FM in Pasadena, Calif.
The Los Angeles market station was Sandbloom’s home through the CBS Radio tax-free merger with Entercom Communications, and in recent years also served as Operations Manager of KCBS-FM “93.1 JACK FM,” formerly “Arrow 93,” in L.A.
Sandbloom may have had access to Salt & Straw and Blue Star Donuts in Southern California, but he’ll now be a short walk from the original Voodoo Donuts, Heart Coffee and the famed Portland Saturday Market. He’s moving to Oregon for a new role with Alpha Media.
Starting Oct. 1, Sandbloom will serve as Operations Director for its seven Portland, Ore., radio stations: News/Talk KXL “FM News 101,” Top 40 KBFF-FM “Live 95.5,” Country KUPL-FM “98.7 The Bull,” Adult Alternative KINK-FM 101.9, Sports KXTG-AM 750 “The Game,” Talk KUFO-AM and CHR/Rhythmic K275CH, the new home of the “WE” hip-hop brand in the Rose City.
Sandbloom will also serve as PD of KINK, which was programmed by Sean Demery until his untimely passing.
Before starting a 25-year run at CBS Radio, which includes roles as Asst. PD/MD at KROQ in 1993, ushering in more grunge and less new wave, Sandbloom worked in the music industry as A&R Director at MCA Records and, circa 1990, as Managing Editor of now-defunct radio industry trade publication Network.
Sandbloom will report to Lisa Decker, SVP/Market Manager for Alpha Media’s Portland stations.
“We are thrilled to have Gene join us,” she said. “His leadership, creativity, experience and can-do attitude is a perfect fit. He will add a new dynamic to our team.”
Sandbloom was elated over his forthcoming role.
“Talk about a match made in heaven,” he said. “I get to work for the world class KINK FM and one of the smartest radio groups in the most progressive city in the U.S. Thanks to Bob Proffitt, Lisa Decker and Phil Becker at Alpha Media for the fantastic opportunity.”
Sandbloom confirmed that he’ll spend time discovering his new city’s renowned food and caffeine scene and the picturesque Cascade mountain range and Oregon coastline.
— RBR+TVBR, from Northeast Portland
