Cumulus Media Ups Two Birmingham Radio Veterans to PD

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, January 11, 2022

Tasha Simone and Valerie Vining

Cumulus Media promotes two Birmingham radio veterans to Program Director roles for WUHT-FM (Hot 107.7) and WZRR-FM (Talk 99.5). Tasha Simone is named PD of Hot 107.7, while Valerie Vining is appointed PD of Talk 99.5.

Simone has been a Birmingham air personality for over 20 years and will continue as on-air host of "The Midday Groove" on Hot 107.7 weekdays from 10am-2pm. She's been honored as a "Female Powerhouse" by Who's Who in Black Birmingham and is known for her service to the community for her work on behalf of non-profit organizations including Young Women's Empowerment Conference and the Birmingham Urban League.

Vining has been a Birmingham radio fixture for more than 30 years. She'll continue to be heard on Talk 99.5 weekday mornings from 6-10am as co-host of the "Dixon & Vining" morning show. Vining was previously News Director for Cumulus Birmingham's WAPI, WJOX, WJQZ, WUHT, WZRR, a position she has held for almost 14 years. She was formerly heard in middays, on WAPI-FM for 20 years and was also Music Director and Assistant PD for the station.

Cumulus/Birmingham VP/Market Manager James Robinson said, "We are excited to promote two Program Directors from within our local Cumulus Birmingham family. Tasha Simone's commitment to the city and ideas for our client partners made her the right choice to lead our iconic Urban AC, Hot 107.7. Likewise, after an extensive search for a dynamic Program Director for Talk 99.5, the market leader in spoken word programming, it became clear that our own Valerie Vining was the perfect fit. Tasha and Valerie both embody Cumulus Birmingham's commitment to the community, and we are confident that they will take Hot 107.7 and Talk 99.5 to even greater heights."

Simone commented, "At this point in my career my time as talent on WUHT/Hot 107.7, almost 17 years, is longer than my time on any other station. Those years are filled with experiences and knowledge about our brand that few hold. As the first woman to be named Program Director for Hot 107.7, I will now be able to use that bedrock of knowledge and skills to propel us to higher heights in the community and industry. Thank you to Cumulus Media, our VP/Market Manager, James Robinson, and our Operations Manager, Ryan Haney for this historic opportunity."

Vining said, "I am absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to take on the role of Program Director for WZRR-Talk 99.5 Birmingham. My radio career, which spans over 30 years, has prepared me for this moment and challenge and I look forward to taking my team to the next level. Thank you to James Robinson and Ryan Haney for believing in me and my abilities. I'm so proud to work for Cumulus Media."