Cumulus Media country vp Charlie Cook is about to leave the company, with his last day being May 31, Advertising sign has confirmed. Cook also serves as director of operations for Cumulus' Nashville cluster and program director for Nashville country stations WKDF and WSM-FM Nashville. Cook's most recent contract renewal was in 2022.
Country flight control first reported the news of Cook's impending departure, noting that Cook told the purchasing manager Alison Warrencontent manager Brian Phillips and senior vice president of programming operations John Dimmick in April 2023 of his desire to pursue new challenges. Cook said: “They asked me to give them a year. So here we are almost a year later and it's time to move on from an experience I've loved for something new and different. Thanking everyone within Cumulus and Nashville would fill these pages, so I look forward to personally thanking everyone in the coming months.”
Philips said in a statement, “Charlie Cook's accomplishments and awards are the stuff of Nashville legend. He is of course, in his character, irreplaceable. I foresee a future where we will always rely on his wise counsel. He represents the gold standard among Cumulus employees. We are deeply grateful for his immeasurable contribution.”
Warren added, “Charlie has been a vital part of the Cumulus family and WKDF/WSM-FM in particular for the past nine years. He has helped shape and advance the format of both 103.3 Country and 99.5 Nash Icon, bringing joy and entertainment to countless listeners. He is not only a talented professional, but also a loyal friend and passionate music lover. We cannot thank him enough for his many years of service, dedication and creativity. We wish him the best in whatever adventures lie ahead. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten.”
Cook began his radio career at Michigan stations in the 1970s, followed by roles at stations in Denver, Los Angeles and New York. received Advertising signIn 1977 he was awarded country DJ of the year. During the 1980s and 1990s, he held roles at McVay Media and Westwood One.
Cook was inducted into the Country Radio Hall of Fame in 2011 before joining Cumulus in 2014. Last year, he was honored with the Academy of Country Music Service Award, along with Bill Maine; Cook is the longest serving board member of the Academy of Country Music.
Cumulus Media has launched a search for Cook's successor, having posted a job opening for a music and brand content manager.
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/business/radio/cumulus-media-charlie-cook-leave-company-may-1235609446/
