102.1 The Edge KDGE gets Josh Venable as dude in charge

Hot of the press...er...email from 102.1 The Edge KDGE in Dallas...longtime on air guy Josh Venable takes control of the station and still is a DJ in Los Angeles. Take that Seacrest (OK oh mighty Seacrest, you still are the hardest working man in showbiz)!:

Clear Channel Radio’s 102.1 KDGE FM The Edge announced today that Josh Venable has been named Program Director, effective immediately. Venable is a Clear Channel Radio veteran and will continue his roles as radio show host.

“A new chapter begins today in The Edge’s 20 year history and I’m happy to name Josh Venable as its leader,” said Kelly Kibler, President and Market Manager, Clear Channel Radio Dallas. “He has an ease in working with clients as well as record labels that will lend to new business and opportunities."

Venable, who calls Dallas home, started his radio career in 1993 at The Edge as a high school intern. For the past 18 years Venable has taken on many roles from on-air host to music director. Today, Venable’s creativity, respect and a take charge attitude is leading the station.

“The combo of a great on-air jock and someone that has a vast knowledge of music in general, let alone The Edge audience, is a killer combo we couldn’t pass up,” said Patrick Davis, Operation Manager, Clear Channel Radio Dallas.

“I’m thrilled to finally be at the helm of the station that made me want to work in radio to begin with,” said Venable. “I know what The Edge brand means to the listeners of Dallas/Fort Worth. As one of the first alternative stations in the country, we’ve always been at the musical forefront. I look forward to continuing KDGE’s longstanding tradition of strong ratings and great music.”

In addition to his role in Dallas, Venable has also been a radio show host in Los Angeles for the past three years. Venable will remain the mid-day host weekdays on The Edge from 10a – 2p CT and on air with 97.7 KYSR FM weekdays.

“We're excited and proud that Josh has an opportunity to be the Program Director in his hometown,” said Julie Pilat, Program Director, Clear Channel Radio Los Angeles. “Josh has been a core member of the 98.7 FM crew since we first flipped the station alternative and we're looking forward to continuing to work with him, he’s a great music director, on-air talent and social media expert."

“I’ve seen the industry change dramatically in the past twenty years. Nowadays with iHeartRadio, The Edge can be heard worldwide,” said Venable. “I can’t think of anything more exciting than to be in the middle of it all.”

Fans can listen to 102.1 KDGE FM The Edge and 98.7 KYSR on the stations’ websites, kdge.com and 987fm.com, as well as on iHeartRadio.com and the iHeartRadio mobile app, Clear Channel’s industry-leading digital radio service that delivers more than 750 of America's favorite radio stations from 150 cities as well as commercial-free digital only stations; specialized artist stations; non-music radio programming and national programming, including 24/7 Comedy Radio, White House Brief, The Elvis Duran Channel, Fox Sports Radio, AT40 with Ryan Seacrest; and more.