Cumulus Appoints Two New Program Directors in for OKC

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, January 6, 2022 | 6:44pm CT

Robert ''Cisco'' Miller and Bobby Yannarell

Cumulus Media appoints two new Program Directors for its Oklahoma City radio stations WWLS (The Sports Animal) and KYIS-FM (98.9 Kiss FM). Robert "Cisco" Mueller is named PD of Sports/Talk WWLS. He fills the role previously held for over two decades by Chris Baker, who retired at year-end. Bobby Yannarell is elevated to PD of Hot AC KYIS. He will continue to serve as PD of co-owned Rhythmic CHR KKWD-FM (Wild 104.9). 98.9 Kiss FM's former longtime PD Jeff Couch, retired in mid-December.

Cumulus Oklahoma City VP/Market Manager Jay Davis said, "We have been incredibly blessed to have both Chris Baker and Jeff Couch leading our programming efforts for over a quarter of a century. We wish them the best of luck of luck in their hard-earned and well-deserved retirement years. With that said, we are equally excited to welcome back Robert "Cisco" Mueller to head programming for WWLS and to elevate Bobby Yannarell to PD of KYIS. We are thrilled and believe we are poised for a similar long run of great leadership going forward."

WWLS-FM Program Director Robert "Cisco" Mueller commented, "What an amazing opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Chris Baker who I've known for over 21 years. My wife and I are thrilled to be back home in OKC, close to our son... and it's so fun to be working in familiar places with familiar faces. Truly humbled to work with the best sports talent on WWLS. I want to thank Jay Davis and Bruce Gilbert for this opportunity."

KYIS-FM PD Bobby Yannarell remarked, "I am happy and humbled to have the opportunity to program such a heritage brand in Oklahoma City. 98.9 KISS FM was a station I grew up listening to on the bus ride to school. Also, I am super excited to work in tandem again with some great personalities and friends that I had the privilege to work with in the past. Excited for the things ahead."

Outgoing WWLS-FM PD Chris Baker noted, "I am exceedingly excited that Robert "Cisco" Mueller will be my successor. I have known Cisco over two decades. His knowledge of the OKC metro, the Oklahoma sports landscape, and his prowess with new media makes him the perfect pick."

Baker added, "What an adventure to be able to complete my 47-year radio career as Program Director for WWLS. I want to thank God, my wife Karen, as well as Jay Davis and Bruce Gilbert of Cumulus for allowing me the opportunity to complete my professional walk with the best on-air staff ever."

Outgoing KYIS PD Jeff Couch stated, "It is a blessing to finish off my 45-year broadcasting career with such a great group of broadcasters. Thank you to Jay Davis, Leslie Whittle and Doug Hamand for allowing me the opportunity to program such a great radio station. KYIS has such a great veteran staff. Truly a pleasure to lead such a talented group. I am excited for Bobby Yannarell to have the well-earned and deserved opportunity to take KYIS and its staff to new heights."