If you thought one of Country radio’s biggest battlegrounds was going to sit still, think again.
In a move that sends a clear message across Atlanta’s crowded audio landscape, iHeartMedia’s 94.9 The Bull (WUBL) has added two major pieces to its lineup, bringing in veteran programmer Ashley Layfield as Program Director and welcoming Corey Calhoun home to take over afternoons.
This isn’t just another round of personnel moves.
It’s a statement.
Atlanta is one of the nation’s most competitive Country radio markets, and The Bull appears to be doubling down on experience, local ties, and proven leadership.
Layfield arrives from sister station US 103.5 (WFUS) in Tampa, where she has guided the brand since late 2022. According to iHeartMedia, she’ll continue overseeing WFUS while adding Atlanta to her responsibilities, splitting time between two of the company’s marquee Country properties.
Her career path has been anything but ordinary.
Before Tampa, Layfield—known earlier in her career as Ashley Morrison—became a familiar force at K92.3 Orlando (WWKA), climbing from morning co-host to Assistant Program Director and Music Director. She originally got her start in Jacksonville, working behind the scenes as a promotions assistant and morning show producer before steadily building one of the strongest résumés in Country programming.
Meanwhile, Calhoun’s move might feel a little more like destiny.
The Atlanta native returns to the city where his radio career first began as an intern at Q99.7 (WWWQ). Since then, he’s worked his way through markets including Brunswick, Lexington, Louisville, and Washington, D.C., most recently serving as Music Director and evening personality at 98.7 WMZQ.
Now, he comes home.
And if you’re keeping score, Atlanta listeners are getting someone who understands both the city and the format.
The bigger picture?
The Bull isn’t simply filling vacancies.
It’s investing.
In an era when consolidation, automation, and cost-cutting often dominate industry conversations, moves like this stand out because they represent the opposite approach: putting experienced people in positions that matter.
A respected programmer with a track record of building successful brands.
A hometown personality returning to connect with listeners during one of radio’s most important dayparts.
It’s hard not to see the strategy.
Atlanta has long been one of Country radio’s crown jewels. The market influences artists, labels, concert promoters, and industry trends far beyond Georgia’s borders.
And now, one of its biggest stations just added fresh leadership and familiar energy at the same time.
Will listeners notice immediately?
Maybe not.
But programmers know the truth.
The biggest changes often happen long before the audience hears them.
The imaging gets sharper.
The promotions get bigger.
The music evolves.
The personalities settle in.
And suddenly, a station starts sounding just a little more dangerous to its competitors.
For The Bull, that process starts now.
And if you’re another Country outlet trying to win in Atlanta, this probably got your attention.
On The Dial covers breaking radio industry news, including layoffs, programming changes, talent moves, and broadcast trends across the United States.
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