Veteran programmer and radio executive, Mike Thompson has been named Operations Manager of NRG Media’s five-station cluster in Omaha, NE. In his new position, Thompson will be responsible for programming KOZN 1620 The Zone, Sports KZOT 1180 Zone 2, News-Talk KOIL The Mighty 1290 and regional Mexican KMMQ La Nueva 1020/99.5.
“I am excited to join a great brand of sports and news talk with NRG Media in Omaha,” Thompson said in a press release. “NRG Media’s slogan is Great Local Radio — for me that’s what I am all about. Working with Market Manager Mark Shecterle and talented hosts and producers it will be rewarding to always live up to that slogan.”
Thompson brings decades of radio experience to Omaha, including a stint as program director of ESPN New York from 2003 – 2007, followed by ESPN Los Angeles from 2010 – 2015 where he hired both Max Kellerman and Stephen A. Smith.
Thompson fell victim to ESPN’s companywide layoffs in 2015 which led to the dismissal of approximately 300 employees. Since being let go by ESPN, Thompson has remained in Los Angeles, working as a television show and commercial actor. During his radio career, the executive also spent time working for stations in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Dallas and Atlanta.
“Mike will be a great addition to our already talented and award-winning staff and has an outstanding programming mind as well as a strong sales mentality,” said market manager Mark Shecterle.
Thompson joins NRG Media’s Omaha cluster, filling the void left by previous Operations Manager, Dave Tepper who departed the company last August to program Denver’s Altitude 950. Thompson will begin his new position on Thursday February 28th.
Brandon Contes is a freelance writer for BSM. He can be found on Twitter @BrandonContes. To reach him by email click here.
Brandon Contes is a former reporter for BSM, now working for Awful Announcing. You can find him on Twitter @BrandonContes or reach him by email at Brandon.Contes@gmail.com.
