LINCOLN COINS DIMICK

John Dimick has been named VP Programming & Operations of Lincoln Financial Media’s new Radio Division.

The appointment marks the veteran programmer’s return to the company, where he served as Operations Manager of LFM’s San Diego cluster during 1998-‘04 before going to WQHT-FM (Hot 97) N.Y., where he was named major-market hip-hop PD of the year in 2006.

Dimick will oversee programming operations of all LFM radio stations in Atlanta, Miami, San Diego, Denver and Charlotte, based in Atlanta and reporting directly to Radio Division President Don Benson.

Those stations include Atlanta-bsed Top 40 WSTR (STAR 94) and Sports WQXI-A as well as AC WLYF, Oldies WMXJ and Sports WAXY-A in Miami; Alternative KBZT, Smooth Jazz KIFM, and Country KSON in San Diego; Smooth Jazz KJCD, Top 40/Rhythmic KQKS, Country KYGO, Sports KEPN-A and Sports KKFN-A in Denver; and Hot AC/Talk WLNK and N/T WBT-A in Charlotte.

“We are very pleased to have John back with the company,” Benson said. “With his previous experience with us, he brings a knowledge of our people and proprieties, and he’ll offer a fresh perspective as well. I feel John will be a great resource for our radio group. And we can save on new business cards.”

Said Dimick, who starts in March: “It’s an honor to join Lincoln Financial Media. I feel privileged to learn from and work with Don Benson again. I also look forward to working with the exceptional program directors and product teams in our markets.”

Back at his old home of Hot 97, longtime APD/MD Ibrahim "Ebro" Darden was named PD to replace Dimick.

Said Emmis N.Y. Sr. VP/Market Manager Dan Halyburton: "In his four years here, Ebro has been fundamental to the success of Hot 97, and he has earned this opportunity to lead the station to new heights. His knowledge, commitment and passion make him the perfect choice to lead Hot 97to an exciting future."