Zimmer Names Mike Stern Programming Chief in Missouri
Advertisers using Zimmer's Columbia, Jefferson City, and Springfield stations will see programming led by a former outside consultant.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in People
Zimmer Communications has named Mike Stern to lead programming across its radio stations in Columbia, Jefferson City, and Springfield, Missouri, starting Monday, November 16. Stern leaves his consulting role at Jacobs Media to take the post.
Why it matters
Zimmer is a Missouri broadcaster that has relied on Stern as an outside consultant for more than a decade, so bringing him in-house signals a shift from advisory to direct operational control of station programming. Programming leadership drives audience ratings, which in turn determine advertising revenue for local media operators.
Zimmer's programming lead now oversees three Missouri stations, and Stern's consulting relationship with the company has run more than a decade. The filing-style announcement does not disclose audience share or revenue figures for the stations.
The players
Zimmer Communications
A Missouri-based radio broadcaster operating stations in Columbia, Jefferson City, and Springfield.
Mike Stern
A radio programming executive who previously led Emmis Communications programming in Chicago and has consulted for Zimmer for over a decade.
Jacobs Media
A radio consulting firm that Stern worked for before joining Zimmer.
Carla Leible
General Manager of Zimmer Communications who announced the appointment.
The details
Stern previously served as Emmis Communications Vice President of Programming in Chicago, where he oversaw Alternative Q101 (WKQX) and Classic Rock The Loop (WLUP). Moving from outside consultant to the in-house programming chief means Stern will now direct daily programming decisions across Zimmer's stations rather than advise on them. Zimmer General Manager Carla Leible announced the appointment publicly.
Timeline
Monday, November 16: Stern's appointment begins and he starts leading Zimmer programming.
Market Landscape
Regional broadcasters often rely on outside consultants like Jacobs Media for programming expertise rather than maintaining full in-house programming teams. Bringing a long-time consultant in-house, as Zimmer has done with Stern, reflects a model where station groups internalize strategic control.
Operators in radio and local media should watch for format or staffing changes at Zimmer's Missouri stations as Stern takes control of programming. Businesses that buy local radio advertising may see shifts in audience positioning over the coming months.
The takeaway
Track any format or on-air changes at Zimmer's Columbia, Jefferson City, and Springfield stations in the coming quarters, since these will show how Stern's programming direction takes hold. Advertisers and media buyers should review audience ratings for those markets as a practical gauge of the change.
Further reading
For more on leadership moves across regional companies, see the People section.
