Veteran Radio Programmer Mike Marino Dies at 60

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, July 20, 2026 | 2:41pm CT

Mike Marino

Veteran radio programmer, consultant and content creator Mike Marino has died following a lengthy battle with cancer. He was 60. The news was announced by longtime friend and business partner Jason Hillery, Operations Manager for Midwest Communications in Green Bay, who said Marino kept his illness private and continued working with stations and morning shows across the country throughout his battle.

"Some may be surprised to hear that Mike was sick," Hillery wrote. "He kept it private. He didn't want anyone to worry. That was Mike. He put up one heck of a fight and never let his diagnosis deter or distract him from working with morning shows around the country and programming his syndicated Urban AC format."

Marino spent more than three decades in radio programming, earning a reputation as one of the industry's most versatile programmers and helping pioneer the Rhythmic AC and Modern AC/Adult Top 40 formats. He first gained national attention as Music Director and Assistant Program Director at KGGI Riverside, CA, before serving as Assistant Program Director at KMEL San Francisco.

He later launched KMXB (Mix 94.1) in Las Vegas and went on to program stations including KKPN Corpus Christi, WKRQ Cincinnati, and KHHT (Hot 92.3) Los Angeles. While with Clear Channel, he also assumed programming responsibilities for KYSR (Star 98.7) in Los Angeles.

For the past 25 years, Marino operated the consulting and content companies GotRooster.com, formerly TheBitXChange, and AmeriCountry.com, providing prep services, programming consultation and coaching to stations and personalities nationwide. He also developed and programmed a syndicated Urban AC format and consulted stations in markets including Denver, Fresno and Palm Springs.

"Mike lived and breathed radio," Hillery said. "He loved the industry, he loved the people in the industry, and was always finding ways to help talent improve their craft. In conversations with Mike, he was always brainstorming ideas, always keeping his finger on the pulse, and always the greatest friend."

Marino is survived by his wife, Leslie, and stepdaughter, Jennifer. Memorial service arrangements have not yet been announced.