Cumulus Media Classic Hits 94.9 KCMO-FM Shawnee KS/Kansas City has announced that Mike O’Reilly will join the station as morning host alongside MacKenzie Justice.
O’Reilly rejoined Cumulus Kansas City last fall as Integrated Marketing & Digital Content Director after previously serving as Program Director of CHR “95.7 The Vibe” KCHZ and Alternative “105.1 The X” KCJK from 2015 to 2021. He previously worked at KCHZ and KCJK (then “105.1 Jack-FM“) from 1997 to 2005 and in-between spent eight years as PD of “100.7 Jack-FM” KFMB-FM San Diego.
He succeeds Kelly Urich in mornings. Urich announced he would retire in January once a replacement was found. O’Reilly becomes the third morning host since the station segued from CHR to Oldies in 1989 after Dick Wilson (1989 to December 2017) and Urich (2017 until now).
He joined KCMO-FM in December 2017 as just the second morning host since the station segued from CHR to Oldies (now Classic Hits) in 1989 following Dick Wilson’s 31 year run in mornings.
Cumulus Media (NASDAQ: CMLS) announces that it has appointed Mike O’Reilly as On-Air Host for the 94.9 KCMO Morning Show. O’Reilly joins Morning Co-Host, Mackenzie, on Cumulus Kansas City’s popular Classic Hits station Monday through Friday from 5:00am-10:00am, beginning Monday, May 1, 2023.
O’Reilly steps up to fill the role previously held by longtime 94.9 KCMO Morning Host Kelly Urich, who will retire this year after 33 years on Kansas City radio. O’Reilly previously served Cumulus Kansas City as Integrated Marketing & Digital Content Director for the seven-station group. O’Reilly joined Cumulus in 2015 as Program Director for 95.7 The Vibe/KCHZ-FM and 105.1 The X/KCJK-FM, after more than eight years as Program Director for 100.7 Jack FM//KFMB-FM in San Diego, CA.
Donna Baker, Regional Vice President/Market Manager, Cumulus Kansas City, said: “Mike is the perfect fit at the perfect time. As one of the top-rated Classic Hits stations in the country, 94.9 will remain Kansas City’s favorite for years to come.”
Doug Hamand, Vice President, Programming Operations, Cumulus Media, commented: “I am so excited about the next evolution of mornings on KCMO-FM! Mike O’Reilly is a fantastic replacement for the legendary Kelly Urich. He knows and loves Kansas City and is crazy about the music, guaranteeing a dance party every morning!”
Jim Fox, Operations Manager, Cumulus Kansas City, stated: “Mike gets the full picture. He’s sharp, resourceful, and everyone he knows likes him. His relatability, natural creative sense, and the success he’s had as a Program Director are important foundational pieces KCMO’s new morning show will grow upon.”
Mike O’Reilly, remarked: ’I could not be more excited to join my dear friend Mackenzie every morning on 94.9. Grateful to the Cumulus Media team for challenging me with this incredible opportunity. 94.9 fans- We’re going to have a whole lot of fun!”
This story first appeared on radioinsight.com