The appointment of veteran radio executive Steve Borneman as General Manager of 93.5 WRNR in Annapolis, Maryland, marks a significant shift in leadership for the station as it expands its broadcast footprint and prepares for a new ownership chapter. This move directly impacts radio programmers, rights holders, and local advertising partners by introducing a leader with decades of experience managing complex station clusters and navigating major industry sales.
A Strategic Transition Following Major Sale
Borneman will assume his new role on September 1, 2026, immediately after completing his duties as President and General Manager of Times-Shamrock’s classic rock station 100.7 The Bay (WZBA) in Baltimore. His departure from WZBA coincides with the expected closure of the station’s sale to the Educational Media Foundation, a deal anticipated to finalize in August. This timing ensures a seamless transition for the Baltimore market while allowing Borneman to bring his extensive operational expertise to the Annapolis station.
The decision to hire Borneman reflects WRNR’s commitment to strengthening its business operations and digital strategy. Managing Partner Kirk Litton emphasized that adding such an experienced leader to oversee digital and radio advertising efforts is a crucial addition for the station. Litton noted that Borneman’s ability to assist in daily operations alongside advertising oversight will significantly benefit the station’s partners and overall performance.
Expanding WRNR’s Broadcast Footprint
Borneman joins WRNR as the station actively broadens its reach beyond its original FM dial presence. After returning to the FM spectrum last July on 93.5 FM via translator W228ER, the station has further expanded its coverage through a Local Marketing Agreement (LMA) with another 93.5 FM signal serving the Silver Spring, Maryland area. This secondary signal utilizes WTOP-HD4 and translator W228DI to reach a wider audience.
WRNR President Jay Stevens highlighted Borneman’s deep understanding of the station’s hyper-local position as the hometown broadcaster for Annapolis. Stevens stated that Borneman’s wealth of experience makes him the ideal leader to guide the station into its next chapter. Borneman himself expressed strong alignment with the station’s values, describing WRNR as exactly the kind of local, community-focused radio he believes in. He cited his excitement to join the team and help continue the tradition of serving listeners.
Borneman’s leadership background includes serving as COO at Pamal Broadcasting, GM of Times-Shamrock’s Scranton cluster, and President and GM of Cumulus Media’s former New York stations, WPLJ and WABC. His career trajectory demonstrates a consistent ability to manage high-profile stations and navigate complex market dynamics, making him a valuable asset for WRNR’s future growth.
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