Charlie Cook Announces Departure from Cumulus

Nashville, TN: In a pivotal shift for the country music industry, veteran strategist and influencer Charlie Cook has announced his impending exit from Cumulus, set for May 31.

Marking End of an Era

Currently serving as the Vice President of Country Music for Cumulus, as well as the Programming Operations Manager for Cumulus Nashville’s five-station cluster, Cook plans to maintain his responsibilities until his departure. He also holds the position of Program Director for both 95.5 Nash Icon (WSM-FM) and 103.3 Country (WKDF).

Search for New Challenges

Cook spoke about the decision, sharing, “Last April, I let Allison Warren, Brian Philips and John Dimick know of my intentions to find a new challenge.” Following this, he described how they requested a year from him, a request he duly fulfilled. “Well, here we are almost a year later and it’s time for me to move away from an experience that I have loved for something new and different,” he added.

An illustrious career in Radio

Cook launched his radio career in 1972 at WSDS in Ypsilanti, Michigan, before moving through prominent stations throughout the country. A pivotal period came in the ’70s, with Cook spending time at KLAK in Denver, WWVA in Wheeling and WHN in New York. In 1980, he joined KHJ in Los Angeles, flipping the station to country, before moving to KLAC, and eventually landing at McVay Media in 1983 as SVP of Country Programming. It was during this period that he consulted more than 40 country stations over the next 12 years.

A Long Association with Cumulus

Cook’s association with Cumulus began in 1996 when he took over as VP of Programming/Formats for Cumulus Media’s Westwood One. In 2006, he shifted to Cumulus as VP of Programming, managing the company’s 67 country stations. Cook’s illustrious career has been acknowledged with multiple awards, including the ACM Service Award at the 2023 ACM Honors for his dedication to the format and his induction into the Country Radio Hall of Fame back in 2011.

Impressions and Comments

“Charlie Cook’s accomplishments and awards are the stuff of Nashville legend,” noted Brian Philips. Commending Cook as the gold standard among Cumulus employees, Philips acknowledged that Cook’s counsel would invariably be sought in the future.

Allison Warren, sharing her sentiments, thanked Cook for his years of service and dedication. According to Warren, Cook has been a vital part of the Cumulus family, helping shape the formats of both 103.3 Country and 95.5 Nash Icon.

A Search for Successor Begins

As Cook gears up to exit Cumulus, a job posting for Cumulus Nashville’s Music & Brand Content Manager (Station Program Director) is now open, marking the beginning of a new era for the industry.