After firing Program Director John Hager and its morning show in April following racist comments made by morning host Rob Lederman, Cumulus Media Classic Rock “97 Rock” 96.9 WGRF-FM Buffalo has found its new Program Director internally.
Joe Russo, a Buffalo native will return home to program WGRF, newly launched Conservative Talk 1270 WHLD, and Classic Rock “Z102.3” WQHZ Erie PA after six years overseeing Classic Hits 94.9 KCMO-FM Kansas City. Russo previously programmed CBS Radio turned Townsquare Media Variety Hits “92.9 Jack-FM” WBUF Buffalo from 2005 to 2013 and spent two and half years as a consultant for SparkNet Communications.
CUMULUS MEDIA (NASDAQ:CMLS) announces that it has appointed Joe Russo as Program Director for 97 Rock/WGRF-FM in Buffalo, NY. Russo returns to his hometown of Buffalo from Kansas City, MO, where he caps a highly successful six-year run with Cumulus Kansas City as Program Director for the top-ranked Classic Hits station in the market, 94.9 KCMO-FM. In addition to his new role with 97 Rock, Russo will be taking the programming helm at Z102.3/WQHZ-FM, 97 Rock’s Classic Rock brother station in Erie, PA, and will also program Cumulus Buffalo’s new Talk1270 WHLD. Russo will assume his new programming role with Cumulus in mid-June.
Prior to joining 94.9 KCMO in 2015, Russo was a programming consultant for Sparknet Communications, serving radio stations in the U.S. and Canada. Prior to that, he launched and programmed one of the most successful Adult Hits stations in the country, with the launch of the Jack FM brand in Buffalo in 2005.
Jim Riley, Vice President/Market Manager, Cumulus Buffalo, said: “If there is one programmer who truly understands the special place that 97 Rock occupies in the Western New York landscape, it’s Joe Russo. Not only did Joe grow up listening to 97 Rock, he has years of experience programming in Buffalo, and is one of the most successful programmers in the Cumulus organization. Joe is the ideal candidate to take the reins at 97 Rock and is uniquely qualified to provide continuity for the 97Rock brand and build on the station’s success for the future.”Donna Baker, Regional Vice President/Market Manager, Cumulus Kansas City, noted: “Joe’s leadership of the talented 94.9 KCMO team delivered record-high ratings, with all dayparts currently #1 in KC. We appreciate his contributions in KC and wish him the very best in continuing to win with Cumulus Buffalo.”
Joe Russo commented: “Growing up in Buffalo, 97 Rock set the bar. I have been an admirer of the station throughout my career and will respect its legacy. I’m excited to be able to work with some of the best talent, not only from Western New York, but from across the country. I’d like to thank Jim Riley, John Dimick and Brian Philips for putting their faith in me while we continue to grow the 97 Rock brand. I’d also like to thank Donna Baker and Doug Hamand, who knew how important it was for me to come home. And for the record, I eat my wings with bleu cheese, not ranch.”