Beasley Names Will Calder Tampa Operations Manager

Why It Matters

Calder’s hiring signals Beasley’s push to strengthen local programming and boost advertising revenue in a competitive Tampa market, where traditional radio faces digital disruption.

Key Takeaways

• Will Calder joins Beasley as Tampa operations manager
• Calder previously directed programming at Audacy's WPOW-FM Miami
• He replaces Rick Thomas, who departed for new opportunities
• Beasley targets growth for WHFS-AM Sports Talk Florida and music stations
• Justin Chase highlights Calder's proven brand‑building and talent development

Pulse Analysis

Beasley Media Group, one of the nation’s largest radio broadcasters, operates a diverse portfolio that spans sports talk, news, and music formats across more than 150 stations. In Florida, the company’s Tampa cluster includes WHFS‑AM, the flagship “Sports Talk Florida” outlet, and four music properties that together reach a multi‑million‑listener audience. The market remains fiercely competitive, with streaming services and podcasts eroding traditional radio share, prompting owners to double down on local talent and distinctive programming. Strengthening leadership in key clusters is therefore a top strategic priority for Beasley.

Will Calder arrives with a proven track record from Audacy, where he steered programming for Miami’s WPOW‑FM and Orlando’s WOMX‑FM. During his tenure, both stations posted double‑digit audience growth and secured higher advertising rates, achievements that earned him industry recognition for brand development and talent cultivation. Calder’s familiarity with the Tampa market, gained during an earlier stint at a local station, equips him to navigate the region’s unique listener preferences. His appointment signals Beasley’s intent to replicate the programming successes he delivered in other Florida markets.

For advertisers, Calder’s arrival could translate into more robust audience metrics and premium inventory, especially on WHFS‑AM’s sports talk platform that attracts a highly engaged male demographic. The broader industry is watching as broadcasters double‑down on local personalities to counter digital disruption, and Beasley’s move may set a benchmark for talent‑centric restructuring in midsize markets. If Calder can replicate his prior growth formulas, the Tampa cluster could see increased market share, higher ad rates, and a stronger foothold for traditional radio amid an evolving audio landscape.