Phoenix exec replaces Zimmerman at CBS Radio Chicago

Rod Zimmerman and Mark Day

Rod Zimmerman and Mark Day

CBS Radio has tapped its market manager from Phoenix to succeed Rod Zimmerman as senior vice president and market manager of the company’s seven-station group here.

Tim Pohlman, who has led the Phoenix market for CBS Radio for six years, was introduced to Chicago staffers Thursday hours after news broke here about the ouster of Zimmerman and Mark Day, vice president and director of sales. No replacement for Day was named.

Tim Pohlman

Tim Pohlman

In announcing the appointment, Scott Herman, chief operating officer of CBS Radio said: “Tim’s successful experience with various CBS Radio stations demonstrates a remarkable ability to consistently deliver positive results for the division, our listeners and our customers. He has a clear understanding of our operational vision and is skilled at implementing winning business strategies. Tim is among the best in the industry, and I look forward to welcoming him to the Chicago cluster.”

Pohlman had been managing partner and CEO of Riviera Broadcast Group, where he oversaw stations in Phoenix and Las Vegas, before he rejoined CBS Radio in Phoenix in December 2009. He previously worked for CBS Radio in Los Angeles, and for stations in Washington, D.C., Charlotte, North Carolina, Atlanta, and Dayton, Ohio. He graduated from the University of Dayton.

In Chicago Polman will inherit a blue chip lineup of stations including all-news WBBM AM 780 and WCFS FM 105.9; sports/talk WSCR AM 670; Top 40 WBBM FM 96.3; adult album alternative WXRT FM 93.1; country WUSN FM 99.5; and classic hits WJMK FM 104.3.

He also faces the challenge of revitalizing the sales staff and reversing the revenue declines that reportedly figured in the ousters of Zimmerman and Day.

Here is the text of Zimmerman’s parting message to staff:

By now you have heard I am stepping aside from my role as Market Manager of CBS Radio Chicago. I am not sure what the future holds, but I do know, it's time to hit the pause button and "smell the roses.” I'm also not sure if the "R" word is correct, I will just have to assess over the next few months. At some point you need to refresh, and after 38 wonderful years at CBS Radio, that time for me is now. Scott Herman and I have been discussing this decision and we felt the timing was right to do this at the beginning of the new year. I am grateful to Scott and everyone at CBS Corporate who over the years have supported me and provided a great environment to work and grow.

I have had the privilege of being the Market Manager here in Chicago for the past 15 years. We've had many great accomplishments and really wonderful years. The people working for CBS Radio Chicago are the best in the business and for that I am most proud. I will be watching with great enthusiasm your continued success and growth. Thank you to everyone for your hard work, commitment, passion, and most of all, your friendship over the years.

I'll be around the office the next couple days cleaning up a few things, so please stop by and say "see you later.”

Rod