OKC Radio: Cumulus Names Mueller, Yannarell As PDs

CUMULUS MEDIA announces that it has appointed two new Program Directors for its Oklahoma City radio stations WWLS 98.1 The Sports Animal and KYIS 98.9 KISS-FM. 

Cumulus has named Robert “Cisco” Mueller as Program Director of Sports/Talk radio station 98.1 WWLS The Sports Animal. He fills the role previously held for over two decades by Chris Baker, who retired at year-end.  Concurrently, CUMULUS MEDIA promotes Bobby Yannarell to Program Director for Hot AC station 98.9 KISS FM. He will continue to serve as Program Director of Cumulus Oklahoma City’s Rhythmic CHR station Wild 104.9 (KKWD-FM). 

KISS' Yannarell

98.9 KISS FM’s former longtime Program Director, Jeff Couch, retired in mid-December.

Jay Davis, Vice President/Market Manager, Cumulus Oklahoma City, said: "We have been incredibly blessed to have both Chris Baker and Jeff Couch leading our programming efforts for over a quarter of a century. We wish them the best of luck of luck in their hard-earned and well-deserved retirement years. With that said, we are equally excited to welcome back Robert "Cisco" Mueller to head programming for WWLS and to elevate Bobby Yannarell to PD of KYIS. We are thrilled and believe we are poised for a similar long run of great leadership going forward. Congrats to all!”

Robert “Cisco” Mueller, Program Director, WWLS-FM, commented: “What an amazing opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Chris Baker who I’ve known for over 21 years. My wife and I are thrilled to be back home in OKC, close to our son… and it’s so fun to be working in familiar places with familiar faces. Truly humbled to work with the best sports talent on WWLS. I want to thank Jay Davis and Bruce Gilbert for this opportunity!”

WWLS' Mueller

Bobby Yannarell, Program Director, KYIS-FM, remarked: “I am happy and humbled to have the opportunity to program such a heritage brand in Oklahoma City. 98.9 KISS FM was a station I grew up listening to on the bus ride to school! Also, I am super excited to work in tandem again with some great personalities and friends that I had the privilege to work with in the past. Excited for the things ahead!"

Chris Baker, outgoing Program Director, WWLS-FM, noted: “I am exceedingly excited that Robert “Cisco” Mueller will be my successor. I have known Cisco over two decades. His knowledge of the OKC metro, the Oklahoma sports landscape, and his prowess with new media makes him the perfect pick.” Baker added: “What an adventure to be able to complete my 47-year radio career as Program Director for WWLS. I want to thank God, my wife Karen, as well as Jay Davis and Bruce Gilbert of Cumulus for allowing me the opportunity to complete my professional walk with the best on-air staff ever!”

Jeff Couch, outgoing Program Director, KYIS-FM, stated: “It is a blessing to finish off my 45-year broadcasting career with such a great group of broadcasters. Thank you to Jay Davis, Leslie Whittle and Doug Hamand for allowing me the opportunity to program such a great radio station. KYIS has such a great veteran staff. Truly a pleasure to lead such a talented group. I am excited for Bobby Yannarell to have the well-earned and deserved opportunity to take KYIS and its staff to new heights.”