Cat Thomas

After working college radio at Bowling Green State University and The Ohio State University, Cat became an Assistant Golf Pro in Orlando, Florida.   Radio still called and after 4+ years spent on a college education, Cat accepted his first professional radio gig at Y106 (now XL 106.7) as the station mascot “Chuck the Duck.”  His parents were soooo proud!  Under the guidance of Gerry Cagle followed by Dennis Reese, Cat became Y106’s Promotion’s Director, Research Director, and weekend air talent.   After sending out 64 tapes and resumes across the U.S. looking for a station desperate enough to hire him as a full time air talent, Cat coerced then P.D. Jerry Dean into hiring him to do Nights at 98.5 KLUC in Las Vegas.   Cat added the M.D. stripes, then soon moved to afternoon drive.   In 1996, KLUC promoted Cat to the Program Director position.  Cat then worked his way to become the P.D./O.M. for KLUC, KMXB (Mix 94.1) and then KMZQ (Lite 100.5) at CBS Las Vegas.  Cat worked his way into the VP/Programming position for CBS/Las Vegas.   He was then lured into the national spotlight being tabbed for the VP/Contemporary Formats (CHR, Rhythm CHR & Hot AC) for Cumulus Media during their turn around.   Cat was able to help Cumulus attain double-digit growth in the first two years helping close the gap vs competing radio companies.   Prior to amicably parting ways with Cumulus, his division was up again passing Cumulus’ high mark set in 2012 and beating the growth of the CHR market.  Since Cat was not hired as the head football coach for either The Ohio State Buckeyes or the Cleveland Browns, he is working with artists, talent and those willing to grow in the Radio & Music industry with Cat Thomas Consulting.     

Cat Thomas Facts:

College:   Bowling Green State University / The Ohio State University.                                                                                      

First Radio Gig…High School Radio:  WNHS, Northland HS, Columbus, OH   /   College Radio:  On Air & Asst. P.D.  WFAL-AM & WBGU-FM  /  Morning Show Intern:  WCOL-AM, Columbus, OH   /   Traffic Reporter: WNCI-FM, Columbus, OH    /   Promotions Director-Research Director-Overnight Talent   XL 106.7 FM  Orlando, FL  /  Night Air Talent-Afternoon Air Talent-Music Director  KLUC, Las Vegas   /  VP of Programming – CBS Las Vegas / VP of Contemporary Formats – Cumulus Media

OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS

Inducted into the Nevada Broadcasters Hall Of Fame

Continued to help stations and programmers beat the market and the industry in CHR and Rhythm CHR

Worked with The Zach Sang Show on Westwood One to grow affiliates and market ratings.

4 Time Billboard Program Director of the Year/Top 40

4 Time SIN Award for Program Director of the Year/Rhythmic CHR

3 Time Billboard Music Director of the Year/Top 40

2 Time Billboard Air Personality of the Year/Top 40

3 Time Gavin Award for Program Director Of the Year/Top 40

3 Time Gavin Award For Music Director of the Year/Top 40

2 Time EMA Award winner for Program Director of the Year/Las Vegas Market