Kelly Ford Named MD, Afternoon Host for WMZQ, WPOC

Kelly Ford

iHeartMedia has named veteran country radio personality Kelly Ford as Music Director and afternoon drive host for Country 98.7 WMZQ in Washington, D.C., and Country 93.1 WPOC in Baltimore, effective immediately.

Ford will host weekday afternoons from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on both stations and report directly to Jeff Kapugi, iHeartMedia’s Region Senior Vice President of Programming.

The move brings Ford back to major-market country radio after her most recent stint as Music Director and afternoon host at WWWF-FM on Long Island. Her extensive career also includes syndicated hosting roles for Backstage Country and Westwood One, as well as on-air positions in New York City and Nashville.

Throughout her career, Ford has earned recognition from the industry’s top organizations. She has been honored by the Country Music Association (CMA) and the Academy of Country Music (ACM), received three Gracie Awards from the Alliance of Women in Media, and won a prestigious NAB Marconi Award.

Kapugi said the decision came quickly after meeting Ford in person. “There’s really a lot of good talent out there, but after meeting Kelly and spending time with her, I knew she was the one,” he said. “She’s special in so many ways and I can’t wait for DC and Baltimore to experience Kelly Ford on WMZQ & WPOC!”

Ford expressed enthusiasm about joining the two iconic country brands and working with Kapugi.

“I’m so excited to plant my flag in the DMV and honored to join two iconic brands like WMZQ and WPOC as Music Director and Afternoon Host,” she said. 

“The cherry on top is getting to work with Jeff Kapugi as our views of what makes great, compelling radio and building community align perfectly.  And I get to do it in America’s 250th year — great timing!”

The dual-market appointment strengthens iHeartMedia’s country programming footprint in the important Mid-Atlantic region, placing an experienced programmer and on-air talent at the helm of two long-standing stations during a milestone year for the United States.