Minneapolis programmer to run Loop, ’KQX

Wade Linder

Wade Linder

Wade Linder, a longtime Minneapolis rock radio programmer, has been named operations manager of two Cumulus Media stations — classic rock WLUP FM 97.9 and alternative rock WKQX FM 101.1. He’ll double as program director of the Loop.

Linder’s appointment, announced Wednesday, fills the vacancy left by Jim Richards, who shifted last month to operations manager/program director of Cumulus Media’s KFOG FM and KSAN FM in San Francisco.

Linder, 48, a graduate of the University of Minnesota, has spent his entire career in Minneapolis, first as music director of KQRS FM and KEGE FM and, for the past 17 years, as program director of KXXR FM.

“Wade’s years of success in Minneapolis make him a logical candidate for this position,” John Dickey, executive vice president/co-chief operating officer of Cumulus Media, said in a statement. “We feel privileged to have such bench strength inside of Cumulus.”

Said Linder: “It’s bittersweet to leave Minneapolis; I owe a great amount of gratitude to my talented friends at KXXR and KQRS that made my run seem effortless.”

PJ Kling continues as program director of WKQX.

In the latest Nielsen Audio survey, WKQX tied for 12th place overall with a 3.1 percent share and a cumulative weekly audience of 1,376,200. The Loop tied for 14th with a 2.9 share and weekly cume of 1,195,100.