SiriusXM Names New Head of Country Programming

J.R. Schumann

SiriusXM has named J.R. Schumann as its new head of Country Programming. Schumann is currently Operations Manager for Cumulus Media in Dallas/Ft. Forth, MusicRow has confirmed. His last day with Cumulus will be Dec. 24, and he will relocate to Nashville. His first day with SiriusXM will be Dec. 28, 2015.

Schumann will lead SiriusXM’s The Highway, as well as all of SiriusXM’s country music programming, as well as channels in the Christian category and SiriusXM’s Elvis Radio.

Schumann will report to Steve Blatter, Sr. VP and General Manager, Music Programming, SiriusXM.

“It’s been an honor to work these two legendary stations in Dallas, and I’m truly grateful for Cumulus to have had this opportunity,” says Schumann. “There aren’t words to describe how excited I am about joining the Sirius XM team, and for Steve Blatter and Scott Greenstein to trust me with these enormous brands is beyond humbling!”

“We are thrilled to have J.R. join the SiriusXM programming team,” said Blatter. “J.R.’s incredible passion and enthusiasm for country music, along with his competitive vision and world-class programming skills make him the ideal person to lead our Country platform.”

Schumann replaces John Marks in the role; Marks left SiriusXM in September to join Spotify.