Fitz Named New Host of ''Bob Kingsley's Country Top 40''

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Hubbard Radio personality Fitz is named the permanent host of "Bob Kingsley's Country Top 40," beginning January 4-5, 2020. The Texas native is set to become the third host in the 45-year history of Country music's longest-running national radio show. Since Kingsley's cancer diagnosis and death in October, country artists have been filling in. The multi-year partnership between Hubbard Radio and Nan Kingsley's KCCS Production will launch the new "Bob Kingsley's Country Top 40 with Fitz" on more than 300 stations and will feature audio from the Kingsley Archives. Skyview Networks will lead network sales and distribution.

"I listened to Bob Kingsley every weekend when I was a kid," commented Fitz. "His loss is still sinking in, but I am honored to be taking the reins from the man who instilled in me a lifelong love of country music and the love of the 'countdown.' This moment is surreal, and I do not take the responsibility lightly. I am excited and honored to carry his torch and hope that I can do for the next generation of country music fans, what the legendary Bob Kingsley, did for me. I am grateful to Nan Kingsley and hope to make her and Bob proud."

Fitz, who currently hosts "The Fitz Show," "The Hit List with Fitz" and "Nashville Minute with Fitz," collectively heard on more than 140 affiliates, will begin to transition many of the 85 stations airing his weekend countdown show ("The Hit List with Fitz") to the Country Top 40 franchise effective in January, 2020. Kingsley's longtime production team, including Producer Ken Halford, Chief Engineer Roger Ramsey, GM & Affiliate Sales Lead Shawn Studer, Associate Producer & Archivist Barbara Lyon, and Nashville-based interviewer and writer Deborah EvansPrice will remain in-tact and continue curating the show.

"Bob Kingsley's cherished legacy lives on in this new venture hosted by Fitz, one of country radio's most dynamic rising stars," said Skyview Networks President/COO Steve Jones. "We are honored to provide advertisers the opportunity to engage with the show's passionate country music fans through one of the most storied brands in the format."

"Bob and I built a family business working alongside one another for more than 30 years. After spending time with [Hubbard Radio CEO] Ginny Morris and her stellar team discussing their business philosophy, it was very evident to me that Hubbard is the perfect partner to continue the legacy of the countdown show Bob led for 45 years," stated KCCS Productions President/CEO Nan Kingsley. "Having the chance to sit with Fitz, who so eloquently shared his passion for Bob and the show, leaves me feeling excited and encouraged about the next iteration of Country Top 40."

Morris commented, "All of us at Hubbard are humbled by Nan's trust in our ability to continue their great legacy. We know this is a lifelong dream for Fitz and congratulate him as well."

Bob Kingsley's Country Top 40 will end its run of guest hosts at the end of December with Garth Brooks hosting the weekend of December 21-22 and Garth Brooks & Trisha Yearwood hosting the year-end show airing the weekend of December 28-29. Additionally, the final edition of "Bob Kingsley's Christmas In America," wrapping 25 years of a holiday tradition, is now available.