Beasley Media Group has a new leader in Tampa. Will Calder joins the company as Operations Manager of its six-station cluster, effective today.
What We Know: Calder steps into a role overseeing programming and brand strategy for WLLD-FM, WQYK-FM, WRBQ-FM, WYUU-FM, and WHFS-AM. He most recently served as Director of Programming and Operations at Audacy’s Power 96 in Miami. He also managed Mix 105.1 in Orlando. Calder previously worked in Tampa at Cox Media Group’s Hot 101.5, giving him direct familiarity with the market.
What They Said: Chief Content Officer Justin Chase spoke directly to Calder’s fit for the position. “Will is an outstanding programmer and leader with a proven track record of building great brands, developing talent, and driving results,” Chase said. “Having previously worked in the Tampa market, he understands both our audience and our opportunity.” Market Manager Ron deCastro added that few people understand Florida radio as well as Calder does.
What Remains Unclear: Calder succeeds Rick Thomas, who departed recently to pursue his next chapter. No details have been released about Thomas’s next move. It’s also unclear how quickly Calder will begin implementing changes across the cluster’s brands.
What It Means: Beasley Tampa is signaling a clear focus on brand-building and local relevance. Calder brings experience across multiple Florida markets — a meaningful advantage in a competitive radio landscape. His arrival suggests the company is prioritizing proven programming leadership at the cluster level. For a group with strong legacy brands, that kind of continuity-minded hire could matter.
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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.
