Cumulus’ Kim Bryant just wrapped up her first year running the company’s New York stations, delivering some strong results, noted a recent NY Post story. Why? Last year, Cumulus’ local spot revenue in the New York market rose 23%, according to Miller Kaplan. “Bryant launched NASH FM; revamped 77 WABC; adding more live and local content; and shook things up at WPLJ. Meanwhile, Cumulus said it would pay for six weeks of maternity leave, with the aim of keeping its existing talent and creating a female-friendly environment,” said the story.
In February, Cumulus announced the implementation of an industry-leading maternity leave policy providing new mothers with six weeks of fully-paid time off in addition to the paid time off and disability benefits currently provided to employees. The policy is available to all full-time, non-commission employees with at least one year of service.
“Cumulus continues to grow and innovate thanks to the dedication of our colleagues across the country. We are committed to providing benefits that recognize employees’ health and family needs, and providing fully-paid leave to new mothers after they give birth is the right thing to do,” said Lew Dickey, Cumulus CEO.
Kim tells RBR-TVBR about her background:
“I have been in Radio for over 27 years starting in the industry at 22 years old. My experience has been on the local side and on the network side at WestoodOne. My career has also taken me to both coasts, running the Clear Channel cluster in SF to my current duties as VP/Market Manager for the Cumulus cluster in NYC. Radio is not only in my blood but it is a lifestyle. Being involved in LOCAL Radio has allowed me to work and help the local communities and drive commerce in those communities. I am proud to say that I work in this powerful medium called RADIO.”
Awards & Recognition:
- 1994: Named Businesswoman of the Year by the Monterey/Salinas Chamber of Commerce.
- 2005: Awarded the Industry Achievement Award for Market Manager/General Manager of the Year by Radio & Records.
- 2005: Named Executive of the Year by Clear Channel Radio.
- 2005: Named one of the Women to Watch by Radio Ink.
- 2006 & 2007: Named to both years’ list of Most Influential Women in Radio by Radio Ink.
- 2007 & 2008: President of the Northern California Broadcaster’s Association
RBR-TVBR observation: Cumulus is thinking very progressively—and fairly– here in recognizing deserving female talent, promoting them to positions of power and giving them the rights they deserve (but not required by law to this degree) in order to mother their children. Less and less American companies are being so giving these days, that’s for sure.
