Zimmer Names Mike Stern Programming Chief

Stern, a longtime consultant for Zimmer Communications, takes over programming across the company's Missouri radio stations.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in People

Isometric editorial illustration of a lone radio tower on a flat Midwestern horizon beside a small equipment shed, in muted oxblood, teal, and mustard. — Zimmer Communications named Mike Stern to lead programming across its Columbia, Jefferson City, and Springfield, Missouri radio stations, effective Monday, November 16. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Zimmer Communications has named Mike Stern to lead programming for its radio stations in Columbia, Jefferson City, and Springfield, Missouri. Stern's appointment begins Monday, November 16, after he leaves his consulting role with Jacobs Media.

Why it matters

The appointment brings a veteran radio programmer into a senior role at a regional broadcaster that has relied on him as a consultant for more than a decade. It signals how Zimmer plans to shape its stations and develop on-air talent across the state.

Stern's consulting relationship with Zimmer spans more than a decade, and his earlier career includes programming roles in six major U.S. markets. The announcement does not specify compensation or the size of the programming staff he will oversee.

The players

Mike Stern

Radio programming executive who has programmed stations in Chicago, Denver, Milwaukee, Detroit, Las Vegas, and Dayton, and previously consulted for Jacobs Media.

Zimmer Communications

Missouri-based radio broadcaster operating stations in Columbia, Jefferson City, and Springfield.

Carla Leible

General Manager of Zimmer Communications who announced Stern's appointment.

The details

Zimmer General Manager Carla Leible announced that Stern will lead programming across the company's stations in Columbia, Jefferson City, and Springfield. Stern previously served as Emmis Communications Vice President of Programming in Chicago, where he oversaw Alternative Q101 (WKQX) and Classic Rock The Loop (WLUP).

Monday, November 16: Stern's appointment as Zimmer's programming chief takes effect.

Industry Dynamics

Stern's track record at Emmis's Alternative Q101 and Classic Rock The Loop stations in Chicago gives Zimmer a programmer with experience in large-market format management. His move from consulting to an in-house role reflects how regional radio groups often bring outside programming expertise into permanent leadership positions.

Listeners of Zimmer's stations in Columbia, Jefferson City, and Springfield may notice programming decisions under Stern's direction as the new leadership takes hold. The announcement does not specify any immediate format or schedule changes.

The takeaway

Leadership changes at regional radio groups can reshape local listening options, so audiences in affected markets may want to watch for programming updates over the coming months. Stern's appointment places a seasoned programmer at the center of Zimmer's Missouri stations.