Following the expansion of 98.5 KBAY (Bay Country) in San Jose, Connoisseur Media has announced several programming leadership changes across its West Coast radio stations. The reorganization strengthens the company’s Bay Area and Portland operations while continuing its focus on strong local programming.  The reorganization positions experienced programmers in expanded leadership roles across Northern California and Oregon.

Brian “Fig” Figula has been named Regional Operations Manager for the Bay Area, overseeing Connoisseur Media’s stations in San Jose, San Francisco and the East Bay. Figula will continue serving as Operations Manager for the San Francisco cluster while assuming day-to-day programming responsibilities for MIX 106.5 (KEZR) and 98.5 KBAY (Bay Country). He will also continue programming 96.5 KOIT. Previously, Figula programmed KOIT, KBLX and KUFX.

“These changes allow us to align our programming leadership with the continued growth of our West Coast brands,” said Figula. “We’re fortunate to have an incredibly talented team, and this structure gives each market experienced local leadership while creating new opportunities for collaboration across the region.”

“The changes we made today in San Francisco, San Jose, and Portland better position us for continued success,” said Keith Dakin, SVP Programming for Connoisseur Media.  “I have tremendous confidence in Fig, Jazzy, and Ross. They are talented programmers who understand their markets, know how to put the right people in the right positions, and have a proven ability to work with talent to create programming that is relevant, engaging, and locally connected. I’m excited to see what they’ll accomplish as they continue to strengthen our brands in highly competitive markets.”

The reorganization also includes several on-air lineup changes:

• Chris Jackson joins MIX 106.5 (KEZR) as the station’s new midday host following the transition of KUFX to K FOX, which will continue as a digital-only Classic Rock brand on HD2 and online.
• In Portland, Jamie Tanchyk moves from middays on 98.7 The Bull (KUPL) to afternoons on Live 95.5 (KBFF).
• Emily Harlan joins Portland’s 98.7 The Bull as the station’s new midday personality.