Connoisseur Media Reshuffles West Coast Programming

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, July 23, 2026 | 10:58am CT

Brian ''Fig'' Figula

Connoisseur Media has announced a series of programming leadership changes across its West Coast radio stations following the recent expansion of 98.5 KBAY (Bay Country) in San Jose. Brian "Fig" Figula has been promoted to Regional Operations Manager for the Bay Area, overseeing Connoisseur's stations in San Jose, San Francisco and the East Bay.

In addition to remaining Operations Manager for the San Francisco cluster, Figula will take on day-to-day programming responsibilities for KEZR (Mix 106.5) and 98.5 KBAY while continuing to oversee programming for 96.5 KOIT. He previously programmed KOIT, KBLX and KUFX.

"These changes allow us to align our programming leadership with the continued growth of our West Coast brands," Figula said. "We're fortunate to have an incredibly talented team, and this structure gives each market experienced local leadership while creating new opportunities for collaboration across the region."

Jim "Jazzy" Archer has expanded his role to include day-to-day programming duties for KBLX in San Francisco and KBFF (Live 95.5) in Portland. He will continue programming KMVQ (99.7 NOW) in San Francisco.

In Portland, Ross MacLeod will add programming oversight of KUPL (98.7 The Bull) while continuing to oversee 101.9 KINK-FM and KUFO-FM. He also remains Operations Manager for Connoisseur Media's Portland cluster.

"The changes we made today in San Francisco, San Jose, and Portland better position us for continued success," said Keith Dakin, Senior Vice President of Programming for Connoisseur Media. "I have tremendous confidence in Fig, Jazzy, and Ross. They are talented programmers who understand their markets, know how to put the right people in the right positions, and have a proven ability to work with talent to create programming that is relevant, engaging, and locally connected."

The reorganization also includes several on-air changes. Chris Jackson joins KEZR (Mix 106.5) as midday host following the transition of KUFX to K FOX, which will continue as a digital-only Classic Rock brand on HD2 and online. In Portland, Jamie Tanchyk moves from middays on 98.7 The Bull to afternoons on Live 95.5, while Emily Harlan joins 98.7 The Bull as the new midday personality.