There’s something I particularly appreciate about a radio company recognizing talent that’s already in the building instead of launching another nationwide search for somebody who needs six months to learn where the studios are. Cox Media Group is doing exactly that in Atlanta, promoting Abby Jessen to Director of Branding and Programming for B98.5 WSB-FM. And while the title is impressive, the bigger story is how she got there. This isn’t somebody arriving with a suitcase full of programming theories and a new playlist. Abby has spent her entire broadcasting career with Cox, and now she’s being entrusted with one of Atlanta’s most established Adult Contemporary radio brands.
That’s a pretty impressive journey.
Jessen joined B98.5 in March 2023 as Assistant Director of Branding and Programming and midday personality. But her Cox career began well before that in Athens, Georgia, where she programmed News/Talk WGAU and Variety Hits 103.7 Chuck FM WXKT, while also handling weekend news responsibilities for Atlanta’s legendary 95.5 WSB.
From there, she headed to Tulsa, where she spent three years programming Hot AC Mix 96.5 KRAV and hosting middays.
Think about that combination.
News/Talk. Variety Hits. Hot AC. Adult Contemporary.
That’s not simply experience in different formats. That’s experience understanding different audiences, different programming philosophies, and the challenge of making a radio station meaningful in its particular community.
And Jessen isn’t abandoning the microphone for a corner office.
She’ll continue bringing her personality to B98.5’s midday audience, where she’s become a familiar part of the workday for listeners across Metro Atlanta.
She also maintains additional on-air responsibilities with Cox stations in Jacksonville, Athens, and San Antonio.
But here’s what makes this promotion especially interesting.
Atlanta is not a market where you can afford to make casual programming decisions.
With major signals competing for listeners throughout Buckhead, Midtown, Marietta, Alpharetta, Decatur, and the surrounding communities, B98.5 operates in one of the most competitive radio environments in the Southeast.
Its identity has to remain familiar without becoming predictable, contemporary without abandoning its core audience, and local enough to maintain the relationship that has made the station an Atlanta favorite for generations.
That’s where great programming leadership makes a difference.
Jessen also brings something I consider especially valuable: she’s a Georgia native who grew up in Roswell and attended the University of Georgia.
She understands the region because it’s home.
I’ve always believed there’s a tremendous advantage when a programmer knows the community beyond a ratings report.
And in today’s industry, where experienced employees sometimes find themselves wondering whether their contributions are even being noticed, it’s refreshing to see a company invest in somebody who has already demonstrated what she can accomplish.
Cox didn’t need to look across the country for its next B98.5 programming leader. It already had one sitting behind the microphone from 10 to 3.
Congratulations to Abby Jessen on the promotion.
The challenge now is keeping B98.5 fresh, competitive, and connected to Atlanta while continuing to build on the station’s established success.
And considering her background, I’d say she’s certainly earned the opportunity.
Sometimes the smartest move in radio isn’t bringing somebody new into the building. It’s handing the keys to somebody who already knows how to make the place work.
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