NYC Radio: SVP, MM Don Bouloukos Retiring From CBS Radio

CBS Radio New York Senior Vice President and Market Manager Don Bouloukos is retiring from the company effective June 2014, after a career in broadcasting that spanned more than four decades, it was announced today by Dan Mason, President and Chief Executive Officer, CBS Radio.

Bouloukos first joined CBS RADIO in 1998 following the acquisition of American Radio Systems Inc. (ARS) where he was Co-Chief Operating Officer.

Franki Valli, Don Bouloukos

"It is never an easy decision to leave an industry you love, and a company and cluster of stations that have been such an important part of your life,” said Bouloukos.  “But after 41 years, it is time.

“I’ve been very fortunate to work for a company that allows you to operate stations as if they were your own and I take great pride in what we have been able to accomplish over the years.  Working with Dan and Scott (Herman) has been an absolute pleasure.  My only regret is that I am not 21 years old and starting all over again.”

“Don is a consummate broadcaster whose contributions to the radio industry have made an indelible impact on the many stations he has directly worked with, and many more who have learned from his insight and guidance,” said Mason.  “He has served as a trusted advisor and friend to the entire radio community while helping shape the medium as we know it today.  All of us at CBS RADIO have been fortunate to work alongside him and wish him well as he concludes this chapter of an illustrious career.

“I personally want to thank Don for his service.  It’s been an honor and a pleasure to work alongside him.”

Bouloukos was named Senior Vice President and Market Manager, CBS Radio New York in October 2007.  CBS Radio owns and operates WCBS-AM, WCBS-FM, WFAN-AM/FM, WINS-AM, WNOW-FM and WWFS-FM in the nation’s No. 1 market.  Prior to his current position, he was Senior Vice President, Mid-Size Markets, Eastern Region, CBS Radio.

As Co-Chief Operating Officer at American Radio Systems Inc. from 1996-98, Bouloukos was instrumental in CBS RADIO’s acquisition of ARS’s more than 100 radio stations in July 1998.  He stayed with the company until Fall 2002, and would later return in 2003 as Philadelphia Market Manager, before taking on oversight of markets including Boston, Charlotte, Cleveland, Dallas, Detroit, and Houston, among others.

Scott Herman, in addition to his role as Executive Vice President, Operations, CBS Radio, will assume Bouloukos’ responsibilities.  Since 2007, Herman has been tasked with overseeing operations of CBS RADIO’s portfolio of stations spanning across more than 25 markets and including various formats.  He works particularly close with the division’s news and talk stations, and his expertise in this area has allowed CBS RADIO to retain its leadership position in the formats.

Scott Herman

Herman’s first corporate appointment for CBS Radio was in 2003 when he was named Executive Vice President, Eastern Region.  Before that, he was Senior Vice President, Market Manager for the division’s New York properties including the venerable AM stations 1010 WINS, WCBS 880 and WFAN.  Herman was Vice President and General Manager of 1010 WINS, America’s first All-News radio station, from 1994-2003, and WNEW-FM on two different occasions during the 90s.

“They don't come much better than Don Bouloukos,” said Herman.  “I'm extremely thankful for his friendship and all his years of wisdom, guidance and stewardship of many of our great radio stations.”

As a member of the ARS senior management team, Bouloukos shared operational and profit and loss responsibility for the $500 million radio company specializing in acquiring and operating radio stations in markets 10-50.  He also successfully co-managed the integration of EZ Communications and numerous other companies and cultures into ARS.

Prior to his tenure at ARS, Bouloukos was President, Capital Cities/ABC Radio Stations (1986-96).  He was responsible for the operations of major market stations in New York, Los Angles, Chicago, Dallas, Washington, D.C., San Francisco, Detroit, Minneapolis, Atlanta and Denver.

Bouloukos began his career at ABC in 1974 as an account executive for WLS-AM in Chicago.  He held several positions throughout his 12 years with the company prior to the merger with Capital Cities, including General Sales Manager (WLS-AM, 1977-79), and Vice President and General Manager (WLS-AM/FM, 1979-82) before moving to New York as Vice President, Operations for ABC Owned Radio Stations (1982-86).

Bouloukos was graduated from DePaul University in Chicago with a degree in marketing.  He resides in New Canaan, Conn. with his wife.  They have three children.