Scripps’ Tucson cluster has hired Smokey Rivers as the new operations manager for KFFN(AM/FM), KMXZ(FM), KQTH(FM) and KTGV(FM).
“It was a long and active search, and we are very fortunate to welcome Smokey to Scripps,” said Scripps Tucson Vice President and General Manager Leon Clark. “He is a creative idea generator with an extensive and varied background in several formats. His expertise is perfect for our stations here in Tucson.”
After four years as an on-air talent, Rivers began his programming career in Albuquerque, N.M. He went on to serve as national vice president of programming for Stoner Broadcasting Systems, national vice president of adult contemporary programming for CBS Radio and vice president of programming for Clear Channel’s eight-station Phoenix cluster, where he was part of the team that implemented PPM audience measurement and digital audience generation.
Also, Rivers previously has held leadership positions at stations in Nashville, Tenn.; Birmingham, Ala.; Washington; San Francisco; Memphis, Tenn.; St. Louis; New York; Dallas; and Phoenix.
He has experience in formats including adult contemporary, hot AC, rhythmic AC, top 40, rhythmic top 40, news/talk, sports, country, classic country, classic hits, alternative, rock, jazz and nostalgia.
He is also a multimedia performer who records audio books, and also is a restaurateur with his wife Cynthia.
