New Chief at Classical Station

Russ Haberle has been named vice president-general manager of KFSD-FM (94.1), San Diego’s only commercial classical music station. He replaces Nancy Reynolds, who left to become general manager of Edens Broadcasting’s KOY-AM and Y95-FM in Phoenix.

In his new position, Haberle is responsible for daily operations of the station, which is owned by Lotus Communications Corp. in Los Angeles and has a staff of 25.

The 39-year-old La Mesa resident has been with KFSD in various capacities for 12 years. He joined the staff in 1977 as an account executive.

“I’ve always been intrigued by radio,” Haberle said. “I grew up in Chicago, which is a great radio market. . . . went to Southern Illinois University, which has a very good broadcast department, specially geared toward sales and marketing,” he said.

In 1982, after two years as the station’s sales manager, Haberle transferred to Tucson, where he was vice president-general manager of KTKT-AM and KLPX-FM, also owned by Lotus Communications. He returned to KFSD as station manager in 1984.

Haberle calls his promotion as general manager his dream job. “My first job out of college was with KFSD, and ever since it has always been my dream to run this station.”

“I’m thrilled that the company has given me the opportunity to run one of the finest classical stations in the country,” he said.

When he’s not at the station, Haberle plays basketball and swims. He is a past vice president of the San Diego AdClub and continues to be active in the advertising community.

KFSD went on the air with its classical music format in the late 1920s and has remained San Diego’s only full-time, commercial classical music station.