WayFM Names New Program Director

Hope Media Group (HMG) announce the promotion of Chris Pickett to WayFM Network Program Director, effective June 23, 2025. He replaces Jeff Evans, who was recently promoted to Vice President of Radio for HMG. In their new roles, Pickett will report to Evans. 

Pickett was recently hired to for the KSBJ/Houston APD/MD role, (HisAir 5-15-25) With the new position he will not be filling that role and will be located in Nashville. Pickett will focus on WayFM and HMG plans to hire another APD for KSBJ. 

Chris brings both programming and on-air experience in Denver, Tucson, Las Vegas, and most recently Boise, where he served as Director of Content for Townsquare Media to his new position at WayFM. He also previously served as Regional Vice President at iHeartMedia with a background in multi-market and multi-format programming, talent development, and creating engaging on-air content. 

WayFM has seen strong momentum over the past year, ranking in the top five in total week listening and mornings in Nashville and South Florida while also achieving new highs in Dallas/Fort Worth—setting the stage for continued growth under Pickett’s leadership. 

“As I prepare to relocate to Houston to focus more fully on our radio brands from the Hope- level, we’ve been prayerfully considering the right leadership to guide WayFM’s future,” said Jeff Evans. “In the process of discussing our vision for WayFM’s radio and digital impact moving forward, it became clear that we already have the right person on our team. Chris gets our mission, understands our audience, and is wired to lead with creativity and purpose. I’m genuinely excited to see what’s ahead for WayFM with Chris in this role.” 

 Chris also shared his gratitude and enthusiasm for the opportunity, “I am deeply honored and grateful for the opportunity to expand my role with Hope Media Group. Collaborating with great talent is truly exciting, and leading the air staff for the iconic WayFM brand will be a privilege.”