Chicago Radio: Cumulus Promotes Hanson, Extends Thomas

Troy Hanson

Cumulus Media announces that it has promoted Troy Hanson, Program Director for Chicago Alternative station WKQX 101.1 FM and Vice President, Programming, Rock formats, to the newly created position of Vice President, Operations for its four-station group in Chicago.

Hanson will continue to program 101 WKQX and to oversee Rock formats for Cumulus. Hanson joined Cumulus in 2013 as Corporate Program Director, Rock Formats and as Program Director for WNNX/ROCK 100.5 in Atlanta. Prior to Cumulus, Hanson was Operations Manager for Cromwell Radio Group in Nashville. A 27-year programming professional, he has held various programming positions at stations in markets including: Duluth, MN; Saginaw, MI; Milwaukee; Des Moines; Detroit; Miami; Nashville and Atlanta.

WKQX 101.1 FM (5.7 Kw) Red=Local Coverage Area

Brian Thomas

Concurrently, Cumulus Media announces that it has signed Chicago’s Classic Hits WLS 94.7 FM Program Director Brian Thomas to a multi-year contract extension.

Thomas has been Program Director for WLS-FM since July 2015. He also serves Cumulus as Corporate Program Director for the Country format, and is Vice President, Programming, Classic Hits.

Thomas was previously Program Director for Cumulus’ NASH FM 94.7/WNSH-FM in New York. Prior to joining Cumulus, he was National Vice President of Classic Hits programming for CBS Radio. He was also Program Director of Country WQYK-FM and Classic Hits WRBQ-FM, and Vice President, Programming for CBS Radio in Tampa.

WLS 94.7 FM (4.4 Kw)

Peter Bowen, Vice President/Market Manager, Cumulus Media-Chicago, said: "I am thrilled to have Troy and Brian returning to Cumulus Chicago for years to come. They have both proven time and time again to be leaders and winners in our industry."

Hanson said: “To be around these storied, iconic brands and the incredibly talented staffs that make each station hum is just awe inspiring. Many thanks to Dave Milner, Mike McVay and Peter Bowen for the tremendous opportunity.”

Thomas said: “I’m loving my hometown of Chicago and proud we’ve turned WLS-FM into a top 10 radio station. I’m now looking forward to growing it even more in the years ahead. I appreciate the continued support from Cumulus leadership.”