Rick Gillette is the new program director at Top 40 station WXRK/ 92.3 NOW.

The appointment, effective immediately, was announced yesterday by Don Bouloukos, SVP/Market Manager for CBS Radio, New York.

Gillette makes his New York debut after successful stints at CBS owned and operated stations in Phoenix where he served as program director since August 2010. He was responsible for KZON’s rise to number 1 in cume, according to the most recent Arbitron ratings. Gillette was instrumental in growing KOOL to one of the top performers in the market.

“What a great city and awesome opportunity,” Gillette says. “I am thrilled for the chance to work with the entire team at 92.3 NOW, striving for greatness and focusing on creating unique and memorable lifestyle experiences for the people of New York.”

Prior to joining CBS, Gillette held various programming positions at KSFM in Sacramento, WHYT and WKQI in Detroit and WKSC in Chicago.

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Nick Cannon gave his NOW FM/WXRK listeners a surprise this morning. It was the versatile performer’s final day hosting his radio show.

Cannon,  suffering from various health concerns in recent months, plus a hospital stay necessitated by a mild kidney failure, told his audience that he needs time to get better. Reports say Cannon, who at night hosts America’s Got Talent on NBC, was rushed back to the hospital last week for blood clots on his lungs.

The 31-year old will spend more time with his nine-month old twins, and his wife, Mariah Carey.

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