In radio, we are often moved by the final product on the airwaves that touch the listeners, and often we don’t get a chance to see the fresh faces that are making moves in the building, on and off the air. In this article, we want to highlight 10 people in radio that are Rising Stars and Future Radio Legends … that you should know. Whether they become legends in radio or in the industry, time will tell but just know they are only scratching the surface of where they are going. We want to let them know that “We SEE You!” Props and a load of thanks for the work that you put in daily, and we look forward to seeing you continue to shine.
By Kevin Ross and Coka-Lani
Johnnie D – PD WGCI-FM/CHICAGO
IG: @Johnnied4real
Johnnie D has been holding the stripes of PD at iHeartMedia’s Urban WGCI/Chicago since 2017 where he manages all facets of the 107.5 WGCI-FM brand. Johnnie previously served as APD of WGCI and Urban AC WVAZ (V103). Derrick Brown, VP of Programming for iHeartMedia Chicago commented, “Johnnie has made a significant impact since joining WGCI in 2015.
Johnnie’s passion and vision for our brand have enhanced our signature concert events like Big Jam and Summer Jam, plus his work in helping launch the city’s only live and local Urban morning show has made the Chicago Morning Takeover a dominant force in the market.”
Upon receiving his stripes as PD Johnnie stated, “This is like a dream come true, and I’m humbled to be chosen as Program Director of my hometown radio station, 107.5 WGCI-FM. My top priority is to maintain the legacy of 107.5 WGCI-FM through impactful ratings and unparalleled support of the Chicagoland community.”
Prior to joining iHeartMedia, Johnnie was the MD and Executive Morning Show Producer of The Ryan Cameron Morning Show with Wanda Smith at CBS Radio Urban WVEE (V103)/Atlanta. He also held various programming positions at WPGC/Washington, Hot 97/New York, WPWX (Power 92.3)/Chicago, and WPHI (100.3 The Beat)/Philadelphia.
MIKE SWIFT PD WKYS/WASHINGTON D.C.
IG: @Mikeswift.tv
Mike “Swift” Powell is the Program Director for 93.9 WKYS-FM and has been leading the station since his appointment to the position in 2019. Swift’s programming experience expands to multiple formats including Urban, Rhythmic CHR, Top 40, Alternative Rock, and Urban AC.
Powell started his career in 2005 as an on-air personality in his hometown of New Orleans where he worked for 12 years at Cumulus Media and eventually rose to Assistant Program Director of Power 102.9/KMEZ.
Powell left New Orleans in 2017 to become Program Director with Core Communicators Broadcasting in Charlotte and in 2018 moved to Program Director with Flinn Broadcasting’s “Hot 107.1” KXHT in Memphis.
TT Torrez – Music Director, VP Label & Artist Relations HOT 97/New York
IG: @TTTorrez
TT Torrez holds down the titles of multi-media personality, the Vice President of Artist and Label relations and Music Director at New York’s HOT 97 radio station. As Vice President of Artist and Label Relations TT oversees MediaCo’s Artist event marketing, special events and promotions, and artist audio and digital content strategy and campaigns. Torrez is the first woman of color to hold this position at Hot 97.
TT Torrez, a Bronx native, started her career in college radio at Norfolk State University hosting a weekday morning show. She landed her first commercial radio part-time position in Charlotte, North Carolina at WCHH 92.7. She soon after took the role as a morning show producer at WSSP 94.3 in Charleston, South Carolina for the Russ Parr Show, while concurrently hosting her own midday show from 10-3p. When the station flipped, TT landed in the top ten market, where
