Westwood One Promotes Five Programmers

Cheri Marquart

Kristopher Jones

Westwood One has announced that it has elevated five longtime programmers in its 24-hour Formats division.

Kristopher Jones and Cheri Marquart were named Vice-Presidents, Programming and Network Formats, respectively, and Scot Kirk was named Vice President, Production.

They join David Felker and the recently hired George King, in roles on the senior programming team at Westwood One.

Additionally, Melody Morgan and Penny Mitchell were named Program Directors of Mainstream Country and Hot Country, respectively.

Penny Mitchell

Cheri Marquart has been Program Director for Westwood One’s AC format, and will now oversee the programmers of other current-based formats, including Hot AC, Hits Now, The Touch, and Rock 2.0.

Kristopher Jones, a key part of the Company’s Westwood One Custom brand of 24-hour formats, will now lead the music schedulers that produce that service.

Scot Kirk will direct the producers that image and produce formats, shows, and services at Westwood One.

Melody Morgan has held several on-air and programming positions, and now will focus on Mainstream Country, Westwood One’s largest format. Penny Mitchell has been on-air talent and an assistant PD; she will now have oversight of Hot Country exclusively.

Scot Kirk

“There is nothing as satisfying as recognizing the great work of a team and elevating members into leadership positions,” commented Kirk Stirland, President of Programming for Westwood One.

“Each of these people has a long history and deep understanding of the unique offerings of our 24-hour Format division, and they make big contributions to its success every day.”

“It’s a privilege to work with so many outstanding professionals at Westwood One and I’m particularly proud of the Westwood One Custom team,” added Kris Jones.

Melody Morgan

“Together we’ll continue to meet exciting new opportunities with creative solutions and our usual high standards for quality and service, both inside and outside Westwood One.”

Cheri Marquart said “After 36 years in broadcasting, 20 at the network, I’m elated to have this opportunity to lead in the creation of unique content and excellent service at Westwood One!”

No one understands the importance of the power of sound more than Westwood One,” said Scot Kirk.  “I’m grateful for the opportunity to take our Creative Audio Production to the next level.”