Another respected programming voice has joined the growing list of radio executives impacted by industry restructuring.
Dylan Salisbury has departed Connoisseur Media’s Portland cluster after his position was eliminated. Salisbury had been serving in a dual role overseeing KUPL-FM, Country 98.7 The Bull while also programming and handling afternoon drive responsibilities at KBFF-FM, LIVE 95.5, making him one of the market’s most visible content leaders.
His exit ends a Portland chapter that began in 2022 when he arrived to lead LIVE 95.5 following a successful run at 98.9 Magic FM in Colorado Springs. Last fall, his responsibilities expanded significantly when he was tapped to guide 98.7 The Bull, placing two of Portland’s most competitive music brands under his leadership.
Salisbury’s departure is notable not only because of his role in Portland, but because of the career he has built across some of America’s most respected radio brands. Over the years, he has programmed, entertained and developed talent in markets ranging from Minneapolis and Indianapolis to Milwaukee, Sacramento, Des Moines, Lincoln and Colorado Springs. Along the way, he earned a reputation as a programmer capable of balancing audience growth, talent development and brand execution in highly competitive environments.
Those who have worked alongside Salisbury know him as more than a programmer. He is one of the rare content leaders equally comfortable behind the scenes building strategy and in front of the microphone connecting with listeners. That combination has become increasingly valuable as radio companies ask fewer people to do more across multiple brands and platforms.
His departure also underscores a reality facing broadcasters throughout the industry. As ownership groups continue searching for operational efficiencies, experienced programmers and market leaders have increasingly found themselves caught in organizational restructuring efforts regardless of performance or track record.
For Portland listeners, Salisbury’s fingerprints remain on two stations that continue to compete aggressively for audience attention. For the industry, his availability immediately makes him one of the more intriguing programming free agents on the market.
Radio has always been a relationship business, and careers like Salisbury’s are built one station, one market and one listener at a time. Wherever he lands next, he brings with him experience from some of the industry’s most successful brands and a resume that spans nearly every level of contemporary music radio.
Talented programmers don’t stay available for long. Dylan Salisbury leaves Portland with an impressive body of work, and his next opportunity will undoubtedly attract attention from companies looking for proven leadership in an increasingly competitive audio landscape.
On The Dial covers breaking radio industry news, including layoffs, programming changes, talent moves, and broadcast trends across the United States.