WGRF (97 Rock)/Buffalo Taps John Mathews as Midday Host

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, July 6, 2023

John Mathews

Classic Rock WGRF (97 Rock)/Buffalo appoints John Mathews as midday host. He'll also serve as Assistant Program Director for 97 Rock and sister WQHZ-FM (Z102.3) in Erie, PA. Mathews joins Cumulus Buffalo from the company's co-owned cluster in 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.

Cumulus/Buffalo-Erie Vice President/Market Manager Jim Riley 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."

97 Rock Program Director Joe Russo 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."

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."