Houston, TX – June 16, 2025 – Hope Media Group (HMG) is pleased to 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 recently joined Hope Media Group as Assistant Program Director and Music Director for KSBJ/Houston. He brings a long and respected radio career in both programming and on-air roles, with notable positions in Denver, Tucson, Las Vegas, and most recently Boise, Idaho, where he served as Director of Content for Townsquare Media. He also previously served as Regional Vice President at iHeartMedia, further strengthening his background in multi-market and multi-format programming, talent development, and creating engaging on-air content. His broad experience and passion for mission-driven media make him uniquely equipped to lead WayFM into its next season of growth and innovation.

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.”

This move reflects Hope Media Group’s broader commitment to growing WayFM through compelling content, digital innovation, and deeper audience engagement.

About Hope Media Group

Hope Media Group is a family of media brands that engage people to love Jesus, serve others, and spread hope through radio, events, online content, and mobile apps. Its platforms include Houston-focused KSBJ, the national network of WayFM stations, the Spanish-language Christian network Vida Unida, digital content outlets NGEN Radio (Christian hip-hop and pop), Hope Nation, WAYLOUD (Christian rock), the God Listens Prayer App, and a concert and event producer, Hope Events.

For more information, visit www.hopemediagroup.com