Tracy Villaume joins Star Radio 93.3/96.1 for the afternoon drive slot. Meanwhile, Dylan Ayer transitions to rock radio at WABY.
What We Know Tracy Villaume, formerly a morning co-host at iHeart’s WRVE Albany, has joined Loud Media’s Star Radio. She’ll host afternoons across 93.3/96.1 and 1160 WSSV in Saratoga Springs. Villaume spent nine years with iHeart starting in 2015 as a news anchor at WGY. Notably, she also took on an executive producer role at WTEN-TV’s “Upstate Living.”
What They Said “Star Saratoga always felt like home,” Villaume explained, citing the classic hits format and music. “I’m excited being part of a team connected to community.” Loud Media owner Aaron Ishmael called her someone Capital Region listeners already know. Brand manager Eric Woodhouse stressed that great radio goes beyond speakers—it means being part of listeners’ daily lives.
What Remains Unclear The timing raises questions about iHeart’s future Albany cluster strategy going forward. Villaume’s exact responsibilities at Star beyond afternoons need clarification. Additionally, potential on-air partnerships or special projects still lack detail. Dylan Ayer hasn’t announced her exact start date at WABY middays.
What It Means This shuffle reflects smart programming strategy for Loud Media overall. Villaume’s local recognition strengthens Star’s competitive market position. Similarly, Dylan Ayer’s move to WABY energizes their rock format. Ultimately, both stations gain personality-driven content that listeners will resonate with.
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.
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.