Penuell To PD at WSM-FM

Cumulus Nashville has announced the promotion of Russell Penuell (Russell P.) to Program Director of WSM-FM, effective immediately. Penuell replaces Charley Connolly, who departs the company to pursue other opportunities. 

Penuell began his career in radio at the age of 13 and by the age of 21, became one of the youngest Program Directors in the United States. Also known as Russell P. (3 – 7 afternoon drive) to Wolf listeners, Penuell brings award-winning experience to his new position.

“Russ’s contribution to the success of The Wolf/Nashville has been remarkable, says Cumulus SVP of Programming, Jan Jeffries. “During my time of programming The Wolf/Dallas on a daily basis, Russell was a key ‘go to’ person. His work ethic, prior to Dallas and Nashville, as PD in Ft. Myers and Shreveport, is second to none.”

Further, beginning Monday, March 8, Rick Marino will move into Connolly’s vacant co-host position on Wake Up with the Wolf. With stints at country stations WSIX and WKDF, as well as other formats in the market (Mix 92.9 and The River), Marino has been a fixture on the Nashville air waves since 1994. He now joins Deanna Lee for Wake Up with the Wolf with Rick & Deanna.

“Rick is a world-class morning talent,” Jeffries says. “His successful history of mornings in Nashville makes him the perfect choice for mornings at The Wolf/Nashville. We thank Charley Connolly for his tenure and wish him the best in his future endeavors”

Moving into the midday slot is Wolf/Dallas (KPLX) host, Smokey Rivers. Rivers has 30 years in radio and recently served as Weekday Host from 10 – 3 p.m. on KPLX, with over one million listeners.