Hawaii Radio: Rick Thomas Named SVP/Programming For Malama

Rick Thomas has been named Senior Vice President of Programming at Malama Media Group, where he will oversee the company’s Hawaii radio cluster and guide programming strategies for future acquisitions. The veteran programmer returns to Honolulu after previously serving as VP of Programming for Ohana Broadcasting in the market. 

Malama’s current stations include Country 97.5 KHCM, Classic Hits Decades 107.9 (KKOL), Christian Talk 99.5 The Word (KGU-FM), Sports-Talk KGU-AM 760, and Conservative Talk KHNR-AM 690.

Thomas most recently worked as Brand Manager for Beasley Media Group’s Tampa cluster, where he programmed classic hits WRBQ (Q105) and country WQYK until departing in May 2026. His earlier roles include National Format Leader at SummitMedia (overseeing CHR, AC, and Hot AC stations, plus PD duties at WWST Knoxville), VP/Programming for Max Media in Denver, Operations Manager for Cox Media Group in Tampa, and programming positions with CBS Radio in New York and Los Angeles. He has also programmed high-profile stations such as KYLD San Francisco, KSFM Sacramento, XHRM and XHTZ San Diego, KRTH and KTWV Los Angeles, and WBMP New York.

Rick Thomas

“Coming back to Hawaii feels like coming home. I raised my family in Honolulu. I have a special love for creating great radio and serving the people here. I’m grateful to Monroe and Josh for their trust and for welcoming me into what they’re building at Malama. E Hana Kākou. E Kūkulu Pū,” Thomas said.Malama Media Group Managing Partner and Honolulu Market President Josh Villa called the hire a homecoming for the organization. 

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome Rick back home to our ‘ohana. When you look at the breadth of what Rick has accomplished, from programming iconic stations in New York and Los Angeles to leading multi-format clusters in some of the country’s most competitive markets, you’re looking at someone who truly knows how to build winning brands and winning teams. His experience across virtually every major format, combined with his genuine passion for radio and deep respect for the communities he serves, makes him exactly the kind of leader we want in our organization. Hawaii deserves the best, and Rick is the very best.”