Cox Media Group Adult R&B “Star 94.5” WCFB Daytona Beach/Orlando has appointed Jay Hicks as Assistant Program Director and local morning producer/host for the “Rickey Smiley Morning Show”.
Hicks most recently served as Program Director of Audacy Hip Hop 95.5 WPGC Washington DC in 2019-2020. He has also programmed “Power 96.5” WPHH Lansing MI, “Hot 107.5” WHTD Detroit, and 93.7 WBLK Buffalo NY. In his new role he will report to Cox Orlando/Jacksonville Director of Urban Branding & Programming Elroy Smith.
Cox Media Group (“CMG”) today announced that programming veteran Jay Hicks has been named Assistant Program Director for Star 94.5 in Orlando. Hicks will support day-to-day programming and the execution of marketing, promotions, events, and sales campaigns, in addition to locally hosting and producing The Rickey Smiley Morning Show.
Hicks brings more than 20 years of dynamic, results-driven, and goal-focused experience as a brand manager, program director, and assistant production manager. He began his career in Lansing, Mich., serving as an assistant production manager and on-air personality before landing roles as program director and mid-day personality in Detroit. He continued his career as a brand manager in Buffalo, NY and later Washington, D.C. In his new role, he will be reporting to programming veteran Elroy Smith, Director of Branding & Programming, who was tapped for his CMG role late last year.
“Having Jay join CMG and STAR 94.5-Orlando is a major plus for us,” said Smith. “He is strategic, methodical, creative, and competitive. Jay’s litany of radio and digital experience will be a major contribution to the growth of STAR 94.5. It is great to add another quality professional to our CMG Orlando team.”
With his success in the #7, #12 and #57 ranked radio markets, Hicks has specialized in digital, social, mobile, terrestrial programming/content, and ROI-driven marketing campaigns for Urban, Urban AC, Classic Hip-Hop and Classic Rock music formats.
“We are thrilled to have Jay join the Orlando programming team,” added Steve Stewart, Director of Operations for CMG Orlando Radio. “With his experience, both on air and behind the scenes, STAR 94.5 is positioned for big and exciting moves in 2022!”
Hicks graduated from the College of Communications at Michigan State University. He is an active member of the Urban League and NAACP, and a volunteer with Big Brothers & Big Sisters. “It is such a pleasure to join the Cox Media Group team in Orlando,” noted Hicks. “I’m very excited to create world-class on-air and digital content, as well events, that serve our Orlando listeners.”