Indianapolis..Emmis Communications Corporation (Nasdaq: EMMS) today announced that Jimmy Steal, Regional Vice President of Programming for Emmis Radio, has been named Vice President of Programming-Emmis Radio, and will oversee local programming efforts at all of Emmisâ?? 21 domestic radio stations.
“I’m glad I didn’t say ‘no’ when Val Maki wanted to hire a guy for Power who had no hip hop experience. The results speak for themselves,” Rick Cummings, President of Emmis Radio, said. “Jimmy is an outstanding programmer who gets the science and strategy of radio, and who is always looking for the entertainment value, too. He has become a superb leader in his time at Emmis. I can’t think of anyone more uniquely qualified to work with our group of outstanding programmers.”
Steal, who in October was named the country’s top radio programmer by Radio Ink magazine, has been with Emmis’ KPWR (Power 106) in Los Angeles since June 1999. He will continue to handle day to day programming duties at Power 106. In July 2001, Steal was promoted to Regional Vice President-Programming, adding programming duties at rhythmic CHR KKFR-FM in Phoenix and overseeing country station KZLA-FM in Los Angeles. Steal is a radio industry veteran whose programming stops include KEGL/KDMX Dallas, WKRQ Cincinnati, and WXXL Orlando. He is a graduate of the University of Central Florida.
“I’m thrilled at the chance to continue to work with our incredible Power 106 Los Angeles staff and now even more closely with our great PD’s nationwide to help them achieve even greater ratings and revenue success,” Steal said. “The opportunity to work with Rick Cummings and Val Maki the last few years has provided me with a strong foundation as I undertake this wonderful opportunity.”
Steal begins his new duties immediately. The position of Vice President-Programming for Emmis Radio has gone unfilled since Rick Cummings assumed the role of Emmis Radio President in December 2001. Cummings served as Executive Vice President-Programming for Emmis Radio since 1987.