Home Login RADIO ONLINE RSS Facebook
Find Radio Online
AM FM HD

Advertisement

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


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.

Advertisement

Latest Radio Stories

iHM/New York Region President Scott Hopeck to Exit
Scott Hopeck
Scott Hopeck
iHeartMedia/New York Region President Scott Hopeck will exit after nearly 20 years to pursue another opportunity. He's headed the New York region since 2015 and previously had oversight of the company's cluster of stations in Phoenix. Before that, More

BFoA Launches Social Media Campaign ''12 Days of Giving''
Broadcasters Foundation of America
Broadcasters Foundation of America
The Broadcasters Foundation of America is launching a social media campaign on Monday, December 11 with "12 Days of Giving." Each day will feature a different message, ranging from thank you notes from grant recipients to positive statements about More

Skyview Networks Extends Partnership with SnoCountry
Skyview Networks
Skyview Networks
SnoCountry, a source for snow conditions and ski resort information, and Skyview Networks ink a renewal of their partnership for network audio sales. By utilizing Skyview's sales platforms, advertisers can reach SnoCountry's winter enthusiasts with More
Advertisement

WGTS-FM/Washington DC Collects Toys for Tots
WGTS collects Toys for Tots
WGTS collects Toys for Tots
WGTS/Washington, DC is teaming with the United States Marine Corps and DC ABC affiliate 7 News to collect toys for kids. All three groups joined together at the Iwo Jima Memorial to host one of the largest toy drives in the region. For six hours, More

WPLR & WFOX's Chaz and AJ Raise $167,200 in Cash and Toys
Chaz 'n AJ Toy Drive
Chaz 'n AJ Toy Drive
WPLR/New Haven & WFOX/Milford morning hosts Chaz and AJ spent Friday morning at Jordan's Furniture New Haven collecting cash and toys equaling $167,200 to be distributed to Connecticut children's charities. The annual "Chaz and AJ McDermott More

Spanish Broadcasting President/COO Albert Rodriguez Resigns
Albert Rodriguez
Albert Rodriguez
In a surprise announcement during the company's third quarter earnings call on Thursday, Albert Rodriguez said he is stepping down as President & COO of Spanish Broadcasting System. Rodriguez was named COO in May, 2012, and then President in More

Return to Menu

Advertisement

Subscribe to our Newsletter
Radio news and headlines delivered right to your e-mail box -- and it's free.

Advertisement

Advertisement