92.5 The Beat FM: GM Mark Dickie steps down; promotions director moves to CTV

Some big changes have occurred at 92.5 The Beat FM, with general manager Mark Dickie stepping down  from his post and promotions director Linda Fraraccio moving over to CTV Montreal.

Dickie confirmed to me that he is  headed back to Corus Entertainment - the former owners of The Beat predecessor Q92. "I am under contract to not disclose where I am going," he shared with me. "However, my wife Louise and I will be leaving Montreal and Quebec. I have been here 26 years almost to the date. I start my new position on February 3. I am certainly going to miss the great team we have at  The Beat."

Mark Dickie

Dickie was the mastermind behind the major format change, moving from the Q92 light rock format to The Beat's hits from the 80's, 90's and today. He made the dramatic move of not renewing favorite Aaron Rand's contract, choosing instead to pluck personalities away from rival Virgin  Radio such as Cat Spencer, Cousin Vinny and Nat Lauzon.

I personally appreciated my dealings with him. As to where he is headed, it is clearly another market.  Program Director Leo Da Estrela will step in as interim general manager.

 

Leo Da Estrela

Fracaccio is particularly good at what she does. She was hired at Q92 five years ago, leaving a similar post at Global TV.  “After nearly five years learning the ins and outs of radio, the opportunity to go back to TV – my first love – was one I could not pass up," she told me. "As I say goodbye to my friends at 92.5 The Beat, I take comfort in how well the station is doing, allowing me to focus on new and exciting challenges at CTV Montreal.”

At CTV Montreal, Fracaccio will serve as Manager of Creative Services, Promotions and Marketing.and work with such pros as promotions guru Jason Devine, himself a former Q92 staffer.. She is the second  impressive appointment CTV Montreal has made in recent months. Local sales director Wayne Bews came over from TSN 690 Radio.