Award-Winning 94.9 KCMO Morning Show Host Kelly Urich Announces Retirement From Radio This Year

KANSAS CITY, MO – January 18, 2023 – Cumulus Media (NASDAQ: CMLS) announces that after 33 years on the radio in Kansas City, Classic Hits’ 94.9 KCMO-FM morning show host Kelly Urich will hang up his headphones later this year. Urich announced his retirement on-air today.

Donna Baker, Regional Vice President/Market Manager, Cumulus Kansas City, said: “Whether riding to raise funds for 25 years for Bike MS or broadcasting all day to benefit KU Pediatrics Children’s Miracle Network, Kelly is always first to raise his hand and help the KC community. His leadership earned the inaugural ‘Above and Beyond Award’ from the media and advertising community’s KC Media Mix. Kelly’s peers selected him Radio Personality of the Year and 94.9 KCMO Radio Station of the Year in 2022. Listeners and clients alike appreciate Kelly’s effervescent and engaging personality, and he has definitely made his mark on Kansas City broadcasting. We wish him all the best in his retirement, and we’re excited about what the future holds.”

Jim Fox, Operations Manager, Cumulus Kansas City, remarked: “We’re extremely happy for Kelly and his family. His generosity both on and off the air will be missed. No specific timeline has been established, but with shoes like Kelly’s to fill, we wanted to start our search early. Until a replacement is named, Kelly and Mackenzie will continue to wake up Kansas City on 94.9 KCMO. Throughout 2023, expect a celebration of his incredible career with more experiences, more trips, more prizes and more tickets to more concerts.”  

Kelly Urich commented: “The people of Kansas City have invited me into their cars and homes for so many years. I would like to personally thank them for letting me be a part of their lives. It’s the greatest honor, really. The 94.9 KCMO audience and staff have been the pinnacle of my radio career. My family is moving to be closer to my wife’s incredible new opportunity. I want to say a sincere thank you for supporting me and my family.”

A nationwide search is underway to replace Urich and join Mackenzie on-air on 94.9 KCMO. Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply at: https://cumulusmedia.jobs.net/jobs?keywords=&location=kansas+city.

Cumulus Media owns and operates seven radio stations in Kansas City, including: 101 The Fox/KCFX-FM (Classic Rock); 94.9 KCMO-FM (Classic Hits); 95.7 The Vibe/KCHZ-FM (CHR); KCMO Talk Radio/103.7FM and 710AM (News Talk); 107.3/KMJK-FM (Urban); 105.1 The X/KCJK-FM; (Rock) and JACK FM/KCMO-HD2 (Adult Hits).

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 404 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: Lisa Dollinger, Dollinger Strategic Communication for Cumulus Media, 512.633.4084, lisa@dollcomm.com