R.I.P.: Mike Marino, Radio Consultant and Format Pioneer

Mike Marino ('66-'26)

Mike Marino, a veteran radio programmer credited with pioneering Rhythmic AC and Modern AC/Adult Top 40 formats, has died at age 60 following a battle with cancer.

News of his passing on July 16 was announced Friday on Marino’s personal Facebook page by Jason Hillery, Operations Manager of Midwest Communications’ Green Bay, Wisconsin, properties.

Marino first gained prominence in 1988 as Music Director and Assistant Program Director of KGGI-FM in Riverside, California, where he helped guide the station to strong ratings over five years. He later served as Assistant PD at KMEL-FM in San Francisco (1994), launched and programmed KMXB “Mix 94.1” in Las Vegas for CBS Radio (1996), and held programming roles at stations in Houston, Cincinnati (WKRQ “Q102”), and Los Angeles (KHHT “Hot 92.3” and KYSR “Star 98.7”).

For the past 25 years, Marino operated as a consultant and content provider through GotRooster.com (formerly TheBitXChange Prep) and AmeriCountry.com, working with air personalities nationwide. His consulting clients included Marker Broadcasting’s KMRJ-FM in Palm Springs, KOKO-FM in Fresno, and a Max Media Rhythmic AC station. He also consulted conservative talk show The Regular Joe Show while programming his own syndicated Urban AC format.

Details on a memorial service are pending.