They are new format leaders for its seven radio formats as part of its new radio structure. The format leaders, all PDs in CMG radio markets, will report directly to CMG’s new Director of Radio Programming Steve Smith. They’ll be members of a strategic team in their assigned genre or region and act as internal consultants for CMG’s leadership team and will provide insight into specific local formats based on their expertise for CMG’s 85 radio stations.
Smith joined CMG in early August and reports directly to Group VP Ben Reed. He had previously been consulting with them. His career experience includes VP/Programming for Emmis; VP/Programming for AMFM and an SVP/Programming title at CC Radio.
The new format leaders:
CHR: Jeremy Rice, BLI 106.1 FM on Long Island
AC: Steve Hunter, CMG Tulsa cluster
Rock: Michael “Shark” Sharkey, WSUN 97X FM and WHPT 102.5 FM The Bone in Tampa
Classic Rock: Steve Smith, who also is CMG’s director of programming
Urban: Tony Kidd, CMG Atlanta cluster, and Phil Trueba, WHQT Hot 105 FM in Miami
Country: Len Shackelford, CMG Orlando cluster, and Randy Chase, KCYY 100 FM in San Antonio
News/Talk: Nick Roberts, CMG Ohio in Dayton and Louisville clusters.
“CMG has tapped into the amazing talent that exists within our radio businesses to help chart a even more competitive course that will provide the best music and news/talk formats for our valued listeners,” said Ben Reed. “Industry veteran Steve Smith, who joined CMG last month, will oversee this proven team and will provide a cohesive link between our local markets and our group vice president leadership team.”
