Connoisseur Media is reorganizing its West Coast radio operations. The moves affect stations across the Bay Area and Portland.
What We Know: Brian “Fig” Figula steps into a new Regional Operations Manager role for the Bay Area. He’ll oversee stations in San Jose, San Francisco, and the East Bay. Additionally, Figula takes on day-to-day programming for MIX 106.5 (KEZR) and 98.5 KBAY. Meanwhile, Jim “Jazzy” Archer picks up KBLX in San Francisco and Live 95.5 (KBFF) in Portland, while continuing to program 99.7 NOW. In Portland, Ross MacLeod adds 98.7 The Bull (KUPL) to his existing duties.
What They Said: SVP Programming Keith Dakin voiced strong confidence in the new structure. “Fig, Jazzy, and Ross are talented programmers who understand their markets,” he said. “They know how to put the right people in the right positions.” Furthermore, Dakin called the moves a direct response to the company’s continued West Coast growth.
What Remains Unclear: It’s uncertain how the transition of KUFX to the digital-only K FOX brand will perform longer-term. Also, the release doesn’t address whether additional staffing changes are coming. Chris Jackson joins MIX 106.5 as midday host, though his previous role wasn’t specified.
What It Means: Connoisseur is clearly centralizing its programming leadership across key West Coast clusters. This structure allows experienced programmers to manage multiple stations simultaneously. For the industry, it reflects a broader trend of consolidating programming oversight at the regional level. Ultimately, it positions Connoisseur competitively in two major markets.
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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.