SYRACUSE -- The search for a new brand manager at TK99/TK105 (WTKW/WTKV) is over. Harvey Kojan -- whose career includes on-air and programming experience across upstate New York, and in major markets like Houston and Baltimore -- will join the classic rock stations early next month.
Even if you're not familiar with Kojan's career in radio, longtime readers of Radio and Records might recognize Kojan's name from his six years as AOR editor for the former national trade publication.
According to a press release from Galaxy Communications, the owner of TK99 and TK105, Kojan has worked as an on-air personality in Albany, Buffalo and Houston. For the past 20 years, he's been in programming -- four of those years in Baltimore, and 16 years at WNOR on Norfolk, Virginia.
Kojan will begin his new job on July 10.
"I've known and admired Ed for nearly 30 years and it's a privilege to finally work with him," Kojan said in the Galaxy press release. "He still believes in doing radio the right way. Marketing, promotion, research, community service, and a laser-focused emphasis on being local -- concepts that have become foreign to so many other broadcasters -- are still alive and well at Galaxy. I'm one very lucky guy!"
In the same statement, Galaxy President/CEO Ed Levine said, "Harvey brings a wealth of experience to the position. He’s a rare combination of science and emotion as he’s extremely adept at radio research but still plays out in a band occasionally!"
Levine also notes that Kojan has ties to the area, as his wife is originally from Liverpool, "and he’s a huge sports fan! This a tremendous move for TK that will continue to keep us out in front of the market for many years to come!"
Although the Brand Manager position became vacant when longtime VP/Programming Mimi Griswold retired last year, the search kicked into high gear in May, when midday host Gary Michaels -- who had been serving as Interim Brand Manager -- was sent packing.
Michaels' exit resulted in night host Alexis moving into Michaels' midday on-air shift, while she and Griswold (already partly "unretired" since March) have been temporarily handling day-to-day programming duties. Griswold told CNYRadio.com in May, "neither one of us are candidates for the permanent position."
Our thanks to Galaxy Communications for including us on their distribution list for press releases. Anytime there's news to share from your own radio or TV station, cnyradio@cnyradio.com is our address.
Tremendous keyboard player and bandleader too! Glad to have played guitar with him a couple times. Welcome to the Cuse, Harvey!