Bob Richards is leaving Cumulus Media’s Reno cluster this summer. He plans to step outside the radio industry entirely.
What We Know: Richards currently serves as operations manager for Cumulus’ four-station Reno cluster and as program director and morning host at Country KBUL. He launched his career at a Stephen King-owned station in Bangor, ME. His journey included stops in Abilene, TX; Lafayette, IN; South Bend, IN; and Jackson, MS. He joined KBUL back in 2009.
What’s at Stake: Cumulus now faces an upcoming leadership void across its Reno operation. The cluster loses both programming direction and on-air talent simultaneously. Moreover, morning show stability is critical in Country radio. Finding the right replacement will demand speed and precision from the company.
What Remains Unclear: Richards has not publicly disclosed his next move or his reasons for stepping away. Additionally, no interim leadership or morning show replacement plan has been announced for the cluster and station respectively. The transition timeline beyond “summer” is also unconfirmed.
What It Means: With a summer timeline rather short, you could assume that the company will look to move swiftly in finding Richards’ replacement. According to the company job posting, the position earns a salary ranging from $60-75 thousand per year. Leadership exits are becoming impossible to ignore. The industry must address what’s driving talent away — before the list grows longer.
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David Hill serves as a Music Radio Editor, Columnist and Features writer for Barrett Media. A radio lifer with more than 30 years behind the mic, in the control room, and in the program director’s chair, David’s career spans influential stops at brands such as WIYY 98 Rock, WBAL-AM, and 99X. He has worked across multiple formats and ownership groups, including iHeartMedia and Cumulus Media, developing talent, breaking music, and navigating every major industry shift from diary to PPM and terrestrial dominance to streaming disruption. When he’s not writing or analyzing the industry, Dave runs The Tune Farm, a marketing firm built to help artists and brands grow audience the same way great radio always has—by creating connection, not just impressions. He can be reached at David@BarrettMedia.com.
