Al Payne Joins Alpha Media in Louisville

Al Payne has joined Alpha Media in Louisville as the new PD of Classic Hip Hop WGHL (Old School 105.1), Urban WGZB (B-96.5) and Urban AC WMJM (Magic 101.3). Payne’s lengthy career includes an 11-year run with Radio One, the last six as OM of the company’s Baltimore cluster before his exit last September. Payne joined Radio One in 2004 and served in a variety of programming roles, including OM in Richmond, Detroit, The Russ Parr Morning Show and WKYS/Washington. His journey has also taken him to Raleigh, Greensboro, Dallas and Detroit. Alpha Media Louisville SVP/Market Manager, Dale Schaefer commented, “We are thrilled to have Al Payne join our programming team in Louisville. Al has tremendous programming and leadership skills that will help our Urban staff and stations to reach new heights. With his experience and programming history, Al will be an incredible mentor and asset to our entire team.”

Alpha Media Louisville OM Ben Davis added, “Al has been on my radar for quite a while. He brings along with him major market experience, strong leadership skills, strategic thinking, and a long line of success stories. Once again, he’s proof Alpha Media continues to recruit the most talented players from within our industry!”

Payne commented, “It’s an honor to be chosen by Mr. Schaefer, Mr. Davis and Alpha Media’s programming top brass to join this awesome team. I have been a fan of these stations for a long time and look forward to serving, living in, learning about and helping to entertain ‘Kentuckiana.’ I’ll have great guides in the form of sales guru George Demaree, promo queen Jessica Taylor and an amazing air staff.” Payne succeeds Phillip David March, who left in January.