Providence Radio: Mary Ellen Kachinske Named OM At Cumulus

Mary Ellen Kachinske

CUMULUS MEDIA announces that it has appointed Mary Ellen Kachinske as Operations Manager for Cumulus Providence, overseeing all programming for the five-station cluster. Kachinske will also be Program Director for AC station Lite Rock 105/WWLI-FM.

Kachinske heads to Providence from Chicago, IL, where she was Program Director for Hot AC station 101.9fm THE MIX/WTMX-FM for almost 19 years. Prior to that, she was Program Director of WQAL-FM in Cleveland, OH. Kachinske holds a B.A. degree in Speech Communication and Rhetoric from Kent State University.

Holly Paras, Vice President/Market Manager, Cumulus Providence, said: “After an exhaustive nationwide search, I am pleased to have Mary Ellen Kachinske joining the Cumulus Providence programming team. The breadth of Mary Ellen’s experience will no doubt be felt immediately throughout the cluster. We look forward to her leadership and her ability to think strategically, in order to allow these well-established brands to continue to grow into the next decade.” 

Kachinske said: “I'm delighted to join Cumulus’ unparalleled brands in Providence. I look forward to working with the talented team to make the stations even stronger. I fell in love with Providence and can't wait to enjoy the beauty and ease of this gorgeous city. Thank you to Holly Paras and John Dimick for an amazing opportunity.”

CUMULUS MEDIA owns and operates five radio stations in Providence, including: 99.7FM/630AM WPRO (News/Talk); AM 790/WPRV-AM (News/Talk); 92 PRO-FM/WWKX-FM (CHR); HOT 106/WWKX-FM (Rhythmic CHR); and Lite Rock 105/WWLI-FM (AC).

Chicago Radio: PD Mary Ellen Kachinske EXITS The Mix

Mary Ellen Kachinske

Hubbard Radio has announced that it is looking for a new Program Director for its HotAC WTMX 101.9 FM as longtime programmer Mary Ellen Kachinske exits.

No reasons for Kachinske's departure was given; however Chicago Media Watcher Robert Feder notes  the move coincides with a recent dip in audience ratings for The Mix. In the latest Nielsen Audio survey, the station ranked fifth overall with a 4.6 percent share. Among listeners between 25 and 54, The Mix fell behind Univision regional Mexican WOJO 105.1-FM for the first time.

Kachinske was one of Chicago radio’s longest-tenured and most successful program directors and has been with Mix 101-9 for more than 18 years.

Jeff England, vice president and market manager of Hubbard Radio Chicago, told staffers Monday that Kachinske has left the company effective immediately.

“We thank Mary Ellen for her contributions to the success of Mix 101.9 and wish her the best for the future,” England said in a statement. “Our search for the next great programming leader for Mix 101.9 begins today.”

Nikki Chuminatto, music director of The Mix, will serve as interim program director.

Providence Radio: Cumulus Media Promotes Five

Cumulus Media announces that it has promoted five radio programming professionals across its Providence, RI, radio station group. 

• Cumulus has elevated Mary Ellen Kachinske to Director of Music Programming for WWLI-FM (Lite 105), WPRO-FM (92PRO-FM) and WWKX-FM (Hot 106). Kachinske rises from her previous role as Operations Manager/Program Director of WWLI-FM/Lite 105.
• Cumulus has also promoted Nick Giuliano to Assistant Program Director of WPRO-FM. He will continue in his previous roles as On-Air Host, Afternoon Drive on WWKX-FM and as Assistant Program Director/Music Director for WWKX-FM.
• Jess Schiano rises to Music Director for WPRO-FM. She was previously On-Air Host, Middays, on WPRO-FM and now moves to Afternoon Drive hosting duties on the station.
• Also promoted at WPRO-FM is J Buff, who has been named On-Air Host, Middays, on WPRO-FM. J Buff will continue to produce the Giovanni and Kim Show on WPRO-FM.
• At sister station WWLI-FM, Heather Gersten has been promoted to Music Director, in addition to her current roles as On-Air Co-Host, WWLI, and Assistant Program Director for WWLI-FM.

Holly Paras, Vice President/Market Manager, Cumulus Providence, said: “When Mary Ellen Kachinske came to Providence in 2020, WWLI immediately benefited from her many years of broadcasting in larger markets. Elevating her to a position where she can oversee music programming for the entire cluster will allow all the stations to draw from her successes. In addition, the team of individuals working with Mary Ellen will provide the necessary support to succeed in the ever-changing landscape.”

Paras added: “I am delighted that the Cumulus Providence cluster has the combined dedication and commitment from so many talented broadcasters. We are well positioned to take on what the future may hold.”

Cumulus Media owns and operates five radio stations in Providence, including: WPRO-AM/WEAN-FM (News/Talk); WPRV-AM/AM 790 Talk & Business (News/Talk); WPRO-FM/92PRO-FM (CHR); WWKX-FM/Hot 106 (Rhythmic CHR); and WWLI-FM/Lite 105 (AC).

Providence Radio: Doug MacGunnigle To Program N/T WPRO

Doug MacGunnigle

CUMULUS MEDIA announces that it has promoted Doug MacGunnigle to Program Director for Providence, RI, News/Talk WPRO 99.7FM / 630AM and for sister News/Talk WPRV 790 AM. 

MacGunnigle was previously Assistant Program Director for WPRO, a position he has held since October 2017. In his new role, MacGunnigle will be working with newly named Operations Manager for Cumulus Providence, Mary Ellen Kachinske.

Holly Paras, Vice President/Market Manager, Cumulus Providence, said: “Doug MacGunnigle is a tremendous asset to our News/Talk stations. With 20 years’ experience in Providence radio, Doug knows the market and stations inside and out. He was the natural choice to lead WPRO and WPRV moving forward.”

Mary Ellen Kachinske, Operations Manager, Cumulus Providence, noted: “Doug is perfectly positioned to lead WPRO and WPRV with his intelligence, great instincts and deep knowledge of the station and market.”

MacGunnigle commented: “I grew up listening to WPRO, and it is truly an humbling honor to be given an opportunity to lead this legendary radio station. I look forward to helping bring these stations into the future, while continuing to protect and grow WPRO’s legacy as one of the great News/Talk stations in the country.”

The Conclave Sets Dates For 2018 Confab

The Conclave announces that the Conclave Summer Learning Conference will be held on July 25-27, 2018, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Minneapolis-Park Place.

The 2018 event, #CONCLAVE43, will celebrate 43 years of educating radio broadcasters next summer with premium educational sessions from radio’s top professionals and unparalleled networking opportunities. #CONCLAVE43 is specifically designed to help broadcasters grow their careers and stations by providing access to high-level executives from companies across the radio stratosphere in a relaxed and intimate environment. #CONCLAVE43 will also bring back its successful “Speed Mentoring Breakfast”, which offers prime one-on-one networking opportunities and valuable insights and tips from industry leaders and influencers.

Lori Lewis

2017 was a high-growth year for this destination event, with speakers and attendees from companies including:   iHeartMedia, Cumulus Media, Entercom Communications, CBS Radio, Hubbard Radio, Leighton Broadcasting, Midwest Communications, Beasley Media Group, Alpha Media, Townsquare Media, and more.

Attendance at the Conclave has grown a whopping 455% since 2014, with attendance for Conclave 2017 increasing 140% over the 2016 event.

Conclave Chair Lori Lewis said: “The Conclave board and I can’t thank the industry enough for turning out this summer and making radio’s storied event a true success. Attendees love the one-on-one access to industry leaders like Ginny Morris, Mary Quass, Tony Coles, Kevin LeGrett, Jim Ryan, Greg Strassell, Mary Ellen Kachinske and more. #CONCLAVE43 will be a ‘don’t-miss’ event, and we are very pleased that broadcasters are finding greater value with each year!”

Registration for this summer destination event is only $199 for a limited time at: TheConclave.com. Agenda and speaker announcements will follow.

Providence Radio: WWKX Brings Classic Rock to Southern New England

Cumulus Media announces that WWKX-FM in Providence, RI, flipped from its Rhythmic Contemporary format to Classic Rock on Saturday, November 2nd, debuting as the all-new 106.3 The Wolf.

The station teased its new format with all-Halloween music on October 31st, followed by all Grateful Dead tunes on November 1st, stunting as “The Day of the Dead.” Cumulus Media has also launched a new website for 106.3 The Wolf at: https://www.thewolf1063.com/.

106.3 The Wolf joins Cumulus New London sister station 102.3 The Wolf/WMOS-FM with its Classic Rock format. The stations will share music, personalities, and features - but will have separate commercial breaks, separate local service elements, and local promotions and events in both markets.

Concurrently, Cumulus Media has announced that Providence Talk and Sports Program Director Doug MacGunnigle has been promoted to Regional Program Director for NewsTalk and Classic Rock/Southern New England. MacGunnigle will oversee 102.3 and 106.3 The Wolf, NewsTalk 630 AM/ 99.7 FM WPRO, and Sports Talk 790AM The Score in Providence, along with NewsTalk 980 WXLM in New London.

Mike English

Mike English, longtime On-Air Host, WMOS-FM Morning Drive, will now also be heard on WWKX-FM weekdays from 6:00am-10:00am. Additional well-known local on-air personalities will be announced soon.

The stations will also both carry live nighttime show, Steve Gorman Rocks! Monday through Friday from 7:00pm-Midnight, hosted by Steve Gorman, co-founding member and drummer of the Black Crowes and former host on Fox Sports Radio. Airing Sundays on both stations is Flashback, the country’s number one retrospective radio program, hosted by influencer, Rock insider and MTV legend, Matt Pinfield. 106.3 The Wolf also joins 102.3 The Wolf on Sundays in airing Sammy Hagar’s Top Rock Countdown, a two-hour show where the legendary Red Rocker counts down anything he wants – his favorite party songs, his favorite band not in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, or the best songs from a year or a decade.

Holly Paras, Regional Vice President, Cumulus Providence/New London, said: “The signals of 102.3 and 106.3 complement each other. It is exciting to have true Classic Rock music return to Southern New England with the launch of 106.3 The Wolf in Providence.”

Doug MacGunnigle, Program Director, 102.3 The Wolf and 106.3 The Wolf, commented: “We’re excited to add Classic Rock to our portfolio of stations in Providence. I’m grateful for the opportunity and the challenge of bringing a different take on Classic Rock to Rhode Island. I’d also like to thank John Dimick, James Kurdziel and Jeff Schroeder from Cumulus Programming and my programming colleague Mary Ellen Kachinske in Providence for their support.”

🎧To stream New London’s 102.3 The Wolf, visit:https://www.1023thewolf.com/.

Conclave 42’s Speed Mentoring Breakfast Is Set

The Conclave, which celebrates 42 years of educating radio broadcasters this year, announces that it will present the Third Annual Speed Mentoring Breakfast on Friday, July 28, 2017, from 9:00am-11:00am at the 42nd Annual Conclave Learning Conference (“Conclave”). Conclave will be held on July 26-28, 2017, at the Doubletree by Hilton – Minneapolis Park Place. The popular Speed Mentoring Breakfast provides Conclave attendees with direct one-to-one access to some of Radio’s top professionals, who will share their advice and insights for building a successful radio career. Conclave Chair Lori Lewis launched the mentoring event in 2015 and it quickly became one of Conclave’s most anticipated events.

This year’s all-star mentoring team includes: Mike McVay, EVP, Content & Programming, Cumulus Media and Westwood One; Jon Zellner, EVP, Programming Operations, iHeart Media; Greg Strassell, SVP, Programming, Hubbard Media; Tony Coles, SVP, Programming, iHeart Media; Reggie Rouse, VP, Urban, CBS Radio; Cat Thomas, VP, Top 40 and Hot AC Programming, Cumulus Media; Bailey Coleman, PD, Western Great Lakes Region, iHeart Media; Brian Kelly, VP, Programming, Entercom-Milwaukee, WI; Joel Denver, President/Publisher, AllAccess.com; Mary Ellen Kachinske, PD, WTMX-FM; Chicago, IL; and Rob Roberts, VP, Hot AC Programming, and PD, WRQX-FM, Washington, D.C.

Lewis said: “Access to Radio’s key decision makers is key to growing our careers. In seven-minute increments, Conclave Speed Mentoring Breakfast attendees have the opportunity to interact with as many mentors as they can handle. Attendees should prepare questions now so that the mentors can better help provide them with meaningful advice and insights about radio career opportunities today, as well as best strategies for their future growth and success. This is a not-to-be-missed opportunity for radio professionals to invest in their future.”

Register now for just $299 to attend the Conclave Speed Mentoring Breakfast and educational sessions covering industry hot topics including: increasing revenue (and ratings); how to help talent resonate with listeners; how technology (like Alexa) can benefit radio; using video for sales; podcasting and more. For full agenda and session speakers, please visit: www.theconclave.com - and sign up now for Conclave 42 and grab a discounted room.

Providence Radio: Bekah Berger Joins PRO-FM Morning Show

Cumulus Media announces that it has appointed Bekah Berger as Co-Host, Mornings, on heritage Top 40 radio station in Providence, RI, 92 PRO-FM/WPRO-FM. Berger moves to 92 PRO-FM from Cumulus sister station, Hot 106/WWKX-FM (Rhythmic Contemporary), where she co-hosted “The Hot Morning Show with Bekah and Mike D.” She joins longtime 92 PRO-FM Morning Host, Giovanni, and Jay Buff, 92 PRO-FM Morning Show Producer, on-air beginning Monday, July 31st. The dynamic new on-air team can be heard weekday mornings from 6:00am-10:00am.

Bekah Berger

Berger started her career in 2007 as an intern in the WPRO newsroom and served the station as a call screener for “The Buddy Cianci Show.” In 2008, she was named Promotions Director for the station, hosted a weekend show called “This Week in Entertainment With Bekah Berger,” and was Producer for “The Gene Valicenti Show.” In 2022, she moved to Hot 106 as Promotions Director and Midday Host for that station and became Co-Host of the Hot 106 Morning Show in 2016.

Mary Ellen Kachinske, Director of Music Programming/Operations Manager, Cumulus Providence, said: “This is an exciting evolution for the “Giovanni in the Morning Show” and for 92 PRO-FM. Bekah brings a wealth of relatability and star power to Southern New England listeners and we can’t wait for her to join Gio and Jay.”

Berger commented: “Growing up in Rhode Island, 92 PRO-FM has always been part of my radio presets. I’ve spent my career admiring my fellow Cumulus colleagues, but now being able to work alongside them every morning and being part of such an iconic brand is a dream come true.”

Providence RI #Radio: WWLI's Emily Boldon Returning To Atlanta

Emily Boldon

CUMULUS MEDIA announces that Emily Boldon, Vice President of AC Formats and Stratus Music Scheduling, has returned to Cumulus’ Atlanta corporate headquarters to focus on the company’s growing platform of AC radio stations and the expansion of the proprietary music scheduling software platform, Stratus. 

Boldon departs Cumulus Providence, RI, station WWLI-FM/Lite Rock 105, where she has served as Program Director since November 2016, along with her corporate role as Vice President, AC Formats and Stratus Music Scheduling, a position she has held since May 2006. CUMULUS MEDIA recently announced the appointment of Mary Ellen Kachinske as Operations Manager for the company’s five Providence, RI, stations and as Program Director of WWLI-FM/Lite Rock 105.

John Dimick, Vice President, Programming Operations, CUMULUS MEDIA, said: "If there was ever any doubt about Emily's programming acumen, she proved her skills with the tremendous growth and continued success of Lite Rock 105 (WWLI) Providence while maintaining our company's leadership in the AC Format. Now it's time to bring her back to Atlanta where she can continue to lead our AC stations and focus more of her time and effort on improving the company's STRATUS system."

Boldon said: “I am very happy to be returning to Atlanta and Cumulus corporate headquarters. So much has changed since I joined the corporate team in 2006. It's a very exciting time in our company, with Brian Philips at the helm of programming. I look forward to contributing to the creativity and growth of Cumulus in 2020!"

Chicago Radio: Jimmy Steal To Program Hubbard's WTMX

Jimmy Steal

Hubbard Radio Chicago’s Vice President Market Manager, Jeff England, announced Wednesday the appointment of Jimmy Steal as Vice President of Brand and Content for HotAC WTMX 101.9 THE MIX.

He replaces Mary Ellen Kachinske, who departed in November.

Steal comes to Hubbard Radio Chicago from Meruelo Media Los Angeles, where he served for the past year and a half as Vice President of Programming for rhythmic CHR KPWR Power 106 and classic hip-hop KDAY 93.5 FM Los Angeles.

Prior to that, Steal spent 18 years with Emmis Los Angeles where he held the titles of Power 106 LA Program Director, Emmis National Digital Program Director and Emmis Vice President of Programming.  Jimmy’s career includes Director of Programming and Operations for Clear Channel Dallas. Steal also held programming positions at WKRQ Cincinnati and WXXL Orlando.

Steal says, “After my extended successful run at Power 106 LA I’m thrilled to be taking on the roll of VP of Brand and Content for WTMX in Chicago. I would like to thank Meruelo Media COO Otto Padron and my entire Power 106/KDAY team for the many years of amazing record-breaking radio!   I’m so looking forward to being at Hubbard Radio, working in their biggest market, for Jeff England, Drew Horowitz, Greg Strassell, Mega-star Eric Ferguson and the entire WTMX staff!”

WTMX 101.9 fM (4.2 Kw) Red=54dBu Coverage Area

England added, “We are thrilled to have Jimmy Steal join our outstanding Programming team at Hubbard Radio Chicago as Vice President of Brand and Content WTMX. Jimmy is a tested and proven winner in one of the most competitive markets in the country. His talent and leadership will further enhance our market leading performance at 101.9 The MIX home of the Eric in the Morning Show.”

New London-Providence: The Wolf Welcomes Gilbert & Gersten

Will Gilbert

Cumulus Media Classic Rock Stations 102.3 The Wolf and 106.3 The Wolf Welcome Local Media Personalities Will Gilbert and Heather Gersten to Weekday On-Air Lineup in New London, CT, and Providence, RI

Cumulus Media announces that Classic Rock stations 102.3 The Wolf in New London, CT, and 106.3 The Wolf in Providence, RI, have added veteran Rhode Island media personalities Will Gilbert and Heather Gersten to the stations’ weekday programming lineup.

Heather Gersten

Will Gilbert joins 102.3 The Wolf and 106.3 The Wolf as On-Air Host, Afternoon Drive, Monday through Friday from 3:00pm-7:00pm. Heather Gersten signs on to 102.3 The Wolf and 106.3 The Wolf as On-Air Host, Middays, from 10:00am-3:00pm. Gilbert and Gersten join popular Morning Host Mike English, who is heard on 102.3 The Wolf and106.3 The Wolf weekday mornings from 6:00am-10:00am.

Will Gilbert was born in Rhode Island, where he has been a lifelong resident. He started in radio at the age of 16 at a small radio station and has worked in local media ever since, including at The Wolf’s sister station, 92 PRO-FM. Gilbert will continue as host of WPRI-TV’s lifestyle program “The Rhode Show” weekdays at 9:00am.

Heather Gersten (Perry) has been on the air since 1988, having spent time at stations in New York City, Boston, and Providence. Gersten has hosted mornings for 21 years on 106.3 and 102.3 The Wolf's sister station, Lite 105, where she also acts as Assistant Program Director and Imaging Director. She often interviews major celebrities for Cumulus Media, and has notably interviewed Rock royalty Billy Joel, Lenny Kravitz, and Steve Perry.