May 21, 2018, Issue 602
Station Profile:WCOL/Columbus, OH
More than 65% of iHeartCountry stations saw gains with Persons 25-54 over the winter, according to format captain Rod Phillips, and the company’s WCOL/Columbus, OH enjoyed some of the most impressive. The station was up 25% year over year in that demo, and continues to post enormous numbers 6+. WCOL averaged an 11.9 over the last 13 PPM surveys, in fact, the highest being April’s 14.4. It was ‘COL’s best overall showing since PPM arrived in the market. The Columbus powerhouse has always been successful, but the last few months have been especially notable. PD Dan Zuko, who’s heading into his 20th year with the station and fifth at its helm, Rod Phillips attributes WCOL’s success to a seasoned and involved staff, increased concert traffic and a potent music cycle. Phillips, meanwhile, praises the “highly engaged” Zuko, the morning show Zuko co-hosts and a station that totally embraces its community. Country Aircheck recently caught up with both to better understand what’s driving WCOL’s growth. Staff, Mornings & Competition: “It’s crazy right now,” Zuko says of the station’s success. “If I had to point to one thing, it would be my staff.” They’re hard workers who love their jobs, he explains, and they’ve been in place for a long time. Mornings, for example, have included Zuko and Woody Johnson for nearly 17 years. Afternooner Joe Boxer has been on the station for nearly as long as Zuko, and middayer Andy Clark and evening perDan Zuko sonality Joe Kelly each have extensive tenures in the market. Kayla Hanley, who joined the morning show five years ago as co-host and producer, is considered the staff newbie. “So longevity is key,” Zuko says. “And they’re all dedicated to winning.” (continued on page 7)
There’s A Neon Light: Broken Bow’s Jason Aldean at the St. Louis stop of his High Noon Neon Tour Thursday (5/17). Pictured (front, l-r) are WIL’s Bud Ford, Jerry Broadway, Kelly From Arnold and Danny Montana; (back, l-r) Grady, KSD’s Jules Riley, Aldean, Ashley, KSD’s Dusty Panhorst and the label’s Jim Malito.
ACM Camp’s Dual Impact Going into its ninth year, ACM Lifting Lives Music Camp (June 13-19) has made a tangible difference in the lives of many with a rare genetic condition. In partnership with the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, the effort has advanced research and training related to Williams Syndrome and, along the way, has become deeply woven into the fabric of how the country music community gives back. Kennedy Center Sr. Research Specialist Elizabeth Roof has been involved since the
Elizabeth Roof
© 2 0 1 8 Co u n t r y A i rc h e c k ™ — A l l r i g h t s r e s e r v e d . S i g n u p f re e a t w w w. c o u n t r y a i rc h e c k . c o m . S e n d n e w s t o n e w s @ c o u n t r y a i r c h e c k . c o m