Jim Riley is back in Buffalo.
The former GSM of Cumulus Media‘s four-station Buffalo-Niagara Falls, N.Y. cluster has been appointed VP/Market Manager by the company that seeks to emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the next six weeks.
He’s been VP/Market Manager for Cumulus’ Erie, Pa.
It’s been 13 years since Riley has been in Western New York — and much has changed for the better in Buffalo, which is undergoing a renaissance of sorts. The hub of Nielsen Audio No. 58 is home to Cumulus’ WHLD-AM 1270 “The Fan,” WGRF-FM 96.9, WEDG-FM 103.3 and WHTT-FM 104.1. The stations are based at a facility in Kaisertown, east of downtown along the Niagara Thruway.
Riley reports to Cumulus Media EVP Bob Walker, who called him “a passionate broadcaster with a proven track record of success leading sales organizations and most recently leading our team in Erie as Market Manager the last 12 years. We are excited to welcome Jim back to our cluster in Buffalo and to a community where Jim was eager to return.”
Riley added, “There is a tremendous heritage in this city and with these stations, and I am extremely proud to be returning to this team and this town. Thanks to Mary Berner, Bob and the Cumulus team in Erie for giving me this opportunity.”
Riley served as LSM for CBS Radio in Washington, D.C., from 2000-2003, when he moved to Buffalo to join Cumulus. From 1988-2000, he was a Sr. AE for Radio One’s Baltimore stations. From 1997-98, he was GM of acclaimed Adult Alternative WRNR-FM in Annapolis, Md. Early career stints include roles as GSM (from 1980-1985) and GM (1993-1995) of WZYQ-FM 103.9 in Frederick, Md.
