NEW YORK, NY – June 8, 2022 – Cumulus Media (NASDAQ: CMLS) today announced that Lisa Waks has joined the company as Senior Vice President, Digital Partnerships and Business Development, leading Cumulus Podcast Network’s content acquisition strategy and content pipeline development, with a focus on personality-driven brand franchises in the News; Business, Money & Tech; Sports; and Entertainment verticals. Waks reports to Suzanne Grimes, President, Westwood One and EVP, Corporate Marketing, Cumulus Media, who oversees the Cumulus Podcast Network. 

Waks brings more than two decades of expertise in building revenue streams through strategic partnerships and new product development. As a pioneer in the digital video space, she is responsible for developing multi-platform opportunities across print, TV, experiential, and audio.  

Before joining Cumulus Media, Waks was Head of Global Media Partnerships, Strategy, and Operations for TED Conferences, where she expanded their digital business, streamlined operations, and launched the TED Audio Collective. She previously spent nearly 15 years with Scripps Network Interactive (now part of Warner Bros. Discovery) where she developed cross platform revenue streams and new business ventures including the launch of a video lifestyle website and network. Waks began her career at Condé Nast with the inception of their web properties. 

“Lisa is a trailblazer who has spent years creating new businesses, building new revenue streams, and forging successful and enduring partnerships,” said Grimes. “We are excited for her to bring this fire and focus to Cumulus to help us continue to expand the Cumulus Podcast Network with innovative, interesting, and unique content that is craved by listeners and partners alike.”  

“I am thrilled to begin the next chapter in my career with such a long-standing and prestigious organization. Cumulus is best-in-class, leading the audio industry with a wide range of voices and premium content,” added Waks. “I believe in the power of the spoken word, and through smart collaborations we will successfully deepen connections and community.” 

About Cumulus Media 

Cumulus Media (NASDAQ: CMLS) is an audio-first media company delivering premium content to over a quarter billion people every month — wherever and whenever they want it. Cumulus Media engages listeners with high-quality local programming through 406 owned-and-operated radio stations across 85 markets; delivers nationally-syndicated sports, news, talk, and entertainment programming from iconic brands including the NFL, the NCAA, the Masters, CNN, the AP, the Academy of Country Music Awards, and many other world-class partners across more than 9,400 affiliated stations through Westwood One, the largest audio network in America; and inspires listeners through the Cumulus Podcast Network, its rapidly growing network of original podcasts that are smart, entertaining and thought-provoking. Cumulus Media provides advertisers with personal connections, local impact and national reach through broadcast and on-demand digital, mobile, social, and voice-activated platforms, as well as integrated digital marketing services, powerful influencers, full-service audio solutions, industry-leading research and insights, and live event experiences. Cumulus Media is the only audio media company to provide marketers with local and national advertising performance guarantees. For more information visit www.cumulusmedia.com. 

Contact:

Karen Glover | Westwood One | kglover@westwoodone.com