CINA Radio Group has named former iHeartRadio executive Gary Gunter as General Manager of Toronto’s G98.7FM (CKFG-FM) as it closes on its acquisition of the station.
Up until this past July, Gunter was Market Senior Vice President of Sales with iHeartMedia in Norfolk, VA. The 30-year radio sales and marketing veteran started his career as an Account Executive for Clear Channel Radio in his hometown of Chicago in 1995. He’s also held roles with Radio One in St. Louis, Baltimore and Detroit; and Cox Media in Orlando; among other stops.
CINA Radio Group, which also operates multicultural stations CINA 1650AM Toronto, CINA 102.3FM Windsor, and CKIN 106.3FM Montreal, was selected as the successful bidder for G98.7 after Intercity Broadcasting Network – the founding licensee of the station under the late Fitzroy Gordon – was placed in investigative receivership.
Last month, G98.7 parted ways with longtime morning show, Mark & Jem in the Morning. Mark Strong and Jemeni G had both been with the station since 2011.
CINA Radio CEO Neeti P. Ray says the broadcaster is committed to continuing to serve the GTA’s Black, Caribbean and African communities.
“We look forward to bringing stability to G98.7FM, and focusing on high-quality programming to serve the Black communities in the GTA” said Ray, in a release. “It’s important that the station reflects the voice and music of the community, and we have ambitious plans to be the top listening choice for these communities and those who love R&B, hip hop, reggae, soul, gospel and informative news.”
“We welcome Gary’s extensive experience with urban broadcasting, which will be a tremendous asset as we bring the best on-air talent and programming to the station” said Ray. “It was important that the station continue with Black leadership.”
“I’m excited and honoured to lead this new chapter for G98.7FM.” added Gunter. “My goal is to grow the audience with programming that our listeners want while creating effective advertising solutions for our key clients and branding in the Community that our stakeholders can be proud of.”
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