New program director joins The Drive

Rob Cressman

Rob Cressman

Rob Cressman, an experienced classic rock radio programmer from Indianapolis, is pulling into The Drive.

Hubbard Radio Chicago announced Thursday that Cressman has been hired as program director of classic hits WDRV FM 97.1, effective immediately.

He replaces Curtiss Johnson, who left last month after a year and a half at The Drive.

Cressman resigned last week after more than two years as senior vice president of programming for iHeart Media in Indianapolis, where he oversaw four stations. He spent five years before that with Saga Communications in New England, overseeing two stations.

The Drive

The Drive

“I am thrilled to have been invited to join the incredible talents at Hubbard Radio Chicago and The Drive,” Cressman said in a statement. “WDRV has always represented the platinum standard for classic rock radio and I am anxious to uphold and amplify its legendary foundation.”

A native of Fredericksburg, Virginia, and a graduate of James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, Cressman began as an announcer in his hometown. He later worked as operations manager and program director for radio groups in Charleston, South Carolina, and Memphis, Tennessee.

“Finding the perfect programming partner for The Drive was indeed a challenge,” Greg Solk, senior vice president of programming and operations for Hubbard Radio, said in a statement. “We needed someone who understood the rich history The Drive has had in Chicago and who could balance our past achievements with the need for innovation that is vital to our future success. I’ve been a fan of Rob’s work for many years, and look forward to watching him lead The Drive’s incredibly talented staff to new heights.”

In the latest Nielsen Audio survey, The Drive ranked 11th overall with a 2.7 percent share and a cumulative audience of 1,040,200. Among men between 25 and 54, the station tied for seventh with a 4.0 share.