John Matthews

Cumulus Media announces that it has appointed John Mathews as On-Air Host, Middays, on Classic Rock station WGRF (97 Rock)in Buffalo, NY. He will also serve as Assistant Program Director for 97 Rock and its sister station in Erie, PA, WQHZ (Z102.3).

Mathews joins Cumulus Buffalo from Cumulus Erie, PA, where he previously hosted Afternoons on Z102.3. Mathews has also served as Operations Manager, Program Director, and Assistant Program Director in markets including Baltimore and North Carolina’s Outer Banks.

Jim Riley, Vice President/Market Manager, Cumulus Buffalo-Erie, said: “I’ve worked with John Mathews for many years in Baltimore and nearby Erie and know his work very well. He’s like an encyclopedia when it comes to 97 Rock’s music and the people who made it. John has an incredible ability to weave together music and fascinating stories about the artists. For the listener, it’s a celebration of the greatest music every recorded and exactly what 97 Rock listeners expect during the workday. Mathews loves Buffalo and really appreciates the responsibility that he has to the Buffalo radio audience as he becomes a part of 97 Rock.”

Joe Russo, Program Director, 97 Rock, commented: “John’s programming background and extensive knowledge of Classic Rock made him the perfect choice to carry on the tradition of exceptional storytelling and passion for the music we have at 97 Rock. He has a deep reverence for the music and even though he’s a 30-year veteran of radio, he comes in every day with a youthful exuberance like he’s playing these songs for the first time.”

John Mathews remarked: “I’ve always believed that 97 Rock is one of the greatest Classic Rock stations in the world and it’s a dream to be part of their team. 97 Rock is a world-class radio station, and I am honored to be a part of their stable of legendary DJ’s.”

Mathews – who is already diving head-first into the Western New York culture, attending area events and festivals, and getting to know the people – added: “I’m quickly learning why they call Buffalo ‘the City of Good Neighbors.’ I’ve been welcomed with open arms by 97 Rock listeners, and I’m proud to now call Buffalo home.”