Rick Thomas is leaving Beasley Media Group. His final day is June 1, 2026.
What We Know: Thomas joined Beasley’s Tampa cluster in January 2023 as Brand Manager. He oversaw programming strategy across six stations — WLLD-FM, WQYK-FM, WRBQ-FM, WYUU-FM, WPBB-FM, and WHFS-AM. Additionally, he served as Program Director for WRBQ and WQYK-FM. His departure is personal, driven by a desire to prioritize family.
What They Said: “Rick has been an important part of our team here in Tampa,” said Ron deCastro, VP and Market Manager. Chief Content Officer Justin Chase added that Thomas “led with passion, integrity, creativity, and a genuine commitment to both the brands and people around him.” Thomas himself reflected warmly: “I’m proud of all we’ve accomplished together.”
What Remains Unclear: No successor has been announced for the Brand Manager or Program Director roles. It’s also unclear whether the positions will be filled internally or externally. Furthermore, no timeline for a replacement search has been shared publicly.
What It Means: Thomas joins a growing list of experienced programming voices stepping away from radio. His exit raises a familiar and uncomfortable question: where does the industry find its next generation of leaders? The so-called “farm system” that once developed talent from market to market has thinned considerably. As veterans walk out the door, the bench behind them looks increasingly short.
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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.
