Stephens Media Group has appointed Nik Rivers as Operations Manager for its three stations in Rochester NY.
The move marks a return to the cluster for Rivers, who previously programmed Variety Hits “Fickle 93.3” WFKL and Alternative “94.1 The Zone” WZNE from 2008 to 2013. In addition to those two, he will also program AC “Warm 101.3” WRMM. Rivers most recently served as Brand Manager of Townsquare Media Rock 92.9 WBUF Buffalo until exiting in July. He also has programmed Audacy’s “107.7 Alternative Buffalo” WLKK from 2013 to its flip to Country in 2020 and Pamal’s “104.9 The Edge” WZMR Albany in 2007-08. Rivers has also served as Music Director for WPBZ West Palm Beach and WPXC Cape Cod and worked on-air at WEQX Albany and WRLX West Palm Beach.
Stephens had previously announced the appointment of Craig Michaels for the same OM position in October to succeed Mike McCoy, who exited to relocate back to his native Arizona to be closer to his father, longtime Phoenix Suns announcer Al McCoy.
Stephens Media Group has named Nik Rivers as Operations Manager for the 3-station cluster in Rochester, NY effective December 16th.
Rivers, former Program Director for WZNE Rochester is returning to the building as Operations Manager for the cluster, this time overseeing programming for all 3 of the Stephens Media properties.
“After eight years in Buffalo, I am beyond excited to make the move back to Rochester and rejoin the amazing team at Stephens Media Group,” commented Rivers. “I am looking forward to working with the incredible talent at Warm 101.3 (WRMM), 94.1 The Zone (WZNE), and Fickle 93.3 (WFKL). The stations, and the cluster as a whole, are market leaders, and I am looking forward to continuing the great run of success that they have had in Western New York while bringing a new attitude and passion to the group to help lead it into the future. I want to thank Stephens Media Group’s SVP of Programming Bob Thornton, Rochester General Manager Mike Ninnie, and Alternative Format Captain Josh Venable for entrusting me to lead SMG Rochester, and for the chance to come back home.”
The new position reunites Rivers with General Manager Mike Ninnie as well as several veteran staff members. Current OM Mike McCoy recently moved to Phoenix for family reasons and will relinquish the post.
This story first appeared on radioinsight.com