Baltimore Radio: Rick Strauss Returns To 98 Rock

Rick Strauss

Rick Strauss has been named Program Director for WIYY 97.9 FM /98 Rock.  The move marks a return to WIYY for Strauss, who served as the station’s Program Director from 1994 to 2002.

The appointment was announced today by Cary L. Pahigian, President and General Manager of WBAL-AM and WIYY-FM.  Strauss is set to begin on February 24th.

“Rick’s experience with our industry’s digital evolution makes him one of the best strategic and creative thinkers in music radio today,” Pahigian said.  “We’re thrilled to welcome him back ‘home’ to 98 Rock/WIYY.”

Since 1977, WIYY-FM “98 Rock” has been a leader in the music industry, and is today’s FM home of the Baltimore Ravens, and the market’s #1 morning show.

Strauss re-joins WIYY after more than ten years at iHeartMedia (formerly Clear Channel Media + Entertainment) in New York, where he most recently served on the National Programming Platforms team as Senior Director of Digital Music Programming, developing content for iHeartRadio including artist-hosted stations and branded channels for marketing and advertising partners. Previously, as Director of Marketing and Content for Clear Channel Radio Digital, he worked directly with the company’s local markets to grow their online and mobile audiences and played an integral role in the launch of syndicated on-demand programming and national digital initiatives.

WIYY 97.9 FM (13.5 Kw) Red=60dBu Coverage Area

Besides WIYY, Strauss has also programmed WMGK-FM in Philadelphia and WZZO Allentown (which became one of the most dominant rock stations in the country under his leadership) and has been recognized by trade publications with several industry awards.  He holds a B.A. in Communication & Business from Pennsylvania State University