Rick Cummings is getting ready to retire from full-time work at Emmis Corp.
“The programming genius behind LA’s Power 106 and New York’s Hot97, as well as dozens of other radio stations and formats across the United States, announced his retirement from full-time employment effective Sept. 1, 2023, after 43 years with the company,” Emmis announced.
The company founded by Jeff Smulyan is rooted in Indiana, and Cummings is a native of the state and a graduate of Butler University.
Cummings was its first program director at WENS(FM) in 1981. In 1984 he was named national program director. He started KPWR Power 106 in Los Angeles, WQHT Hot97 in New York, and the country’s first all-sports station, WFAN in New York.
He became president of the radio division of Emmis Communications in 2002, and six years later was named president of programming for Emmis’ domestic radio group.
Cummings is 72. He will remain a consultant.
The company quoted him saying, “Save my immediate family, nothing has given me more joy in life than working for Jeff and Emmis.”
Founder and Chairman Jeff Smulyan said, “It’s hard to describe our relationship, but no one has contributed more to the success of Emmis for 43 years than Rick and no one has been a better friend and partner.”
