Cumulus Promotes Three at W4 in Ann Arbor
August 29, 2025


Brian Welch
Cumulus Media has announced promotions of three staffers at its WWWW-FM (Ann Arbor/W4 Country). Brian Welch has been elevated to Program Director for the station. A native of St. Joseph, Welch came to Ann Arbor in 2004 to attend the University of Michigan and joined Cumulus in 2011. He has since moved through multiple roles including Promotions Assistant, weekend host, Production Director, afternoon host, and co-host of the morning show.
Welch can currently be heard alongside his wife, Madison Rally, on Rally & Welch weekday mornings. He will also continue to serve as station meteorologist, providing daily forecasts.
The station's afternoon lineup will also see changes, as Matt Missler takes over as afternoons, weekdays from 3-7pm. Missler has been with Cumulus Ann Arbor since 2013 in a variety of roles ranging from Promotions Assistant to University of Michigan Women's Basketball studio host. Since 2018, he has overseen digital content and social media for the cluster while serving as a weekend on-air personality.
Additionally, Derek Laughlin has been promoted to full-time Producer after nearly four years as a part-time Promotions Assistant. In his new role, Laughlin will create digital content and manage station events while continuing his weekend on-air shifts. He also produces The Lucy Ann Lance Show on 1290 WLBY and other programming for sister station WTKA.
The station's weekday schedule will expand its midday offering as well, with Veronica Rates' show now airing from 10am-3pm.
"These promotions reflect the incredible talent and dedication of our W4 Country team," said Steve Finateri, Regional Vice President and Market Manager for Cumulus Detroit and Ann Arbor. "Brian Welch's elevation to Program Director is especially exciting -- his deep roots in the community, creative vision, and years of on-air experience make him the ideal leader to guide the station's next chapter."
Welch added: "The hallmark of W4 Country has always been community involvement, and that won't change as long as I have a say. While the schedule has shifted, our listeners will still hear the same familiar voices they've come to know. W4 Country is a family, and I'm honored to be leading it."