Tasha Simone
Cumulus Media has promoted two Birmingham radio veterans to Program Director roles for its Birmingham radio stations Urban WHUT (Hot 107.7, Birmingham’s Best Mix of R&B) and News/Talk WZRR (Talk 99.5). Tasha Simone is named PD of Hot 107.7. Simone has been a popular Birmingham on-air personality for over 20 years and will continue as host of “The Midday Groove” on Hot 107.7 weekdays from 10 am – 2 pm.
Valerie Vining is promoted to PD of Talk 99.5. Vining has been a Birmingham radio fixture for more than 30 years. She will continue to be heard on Talk 99.5 WZRR weekday mornings from 6 am – 10 am as co-host of the “Dixon & Vining” morning show.
James Robinson, Vice President/Market Manager for Cumulus-Birmingham, said, :We are excited to promote two Program Directors from within our local Cumulus Birmingham family. Tasha Simone’s commitment to the city and ideas for our client partners made her the right choice to lead our iconic Urban AC, Hot 107.7. Likewise, after an extensive search for a dynamic Program Director for Talk 99.5, the market leader in spoken word programming, it became clear that our own Valerie Vining was the perfect fit. Tasha and Valerie both embody Cumulus-Birmingham’s commitment to the community, and we are confident that they will take Hot 107.7 and Talk 99.5 to even greater heights.”
Valerie Vining
Simone commented, “At this point in my career my time as talent on WUHT/Hot 107.7, almost 17 years, is longer than my time on any other station. Those years are filled with experiences and knowledge about our brand that few hold. As the first woman to be named Program Director for Hot 107.7, I will now be able to use that bedrock of knowledge and skills to propel us to higher heights in the community and industry. Thank you to Cumulus Media, our VP/Market Manager James Robinson, and our Operations Manager Ryan Haney for this historic opportunity.”
Vining said, “I am absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to take on the role of Program Director for WZRR-Talk 99.5 Birmingham. My radio career, which spans over 30 years, has prepared me for this moment and challenge and I look forward to taking my team to the next level. Thank you to James Robinson and Ryan Haney for believing in me and my abilities. I’m so proud to work for Cumulus Media.”
