Is it possible to think that a Sales Department and a Programming Department can have a great relationship and consistently see eye to eye on issues?  Is it a pipe dream?  If you've experienced this, what made that happen?  Is it the GM's job to settle disputes knowing they're inevitable?  Please share your thoughts.  I suggest leaving out names, dates or anything derogatory.  We're looking for feedback & positive suggestions, not mudslinging please.  Thanks!

Absolutely, it can.  But, unless the GM, GSM, or President comes from the programming background, there are squabbles.  These days, a terrestrial station could break any number of 'obvious' programming rules by selling their soul and unless the upper echelon care, there won't be repercussions.  
We're fortunate at our station, the squabbles are minimal. IMHO, doesn't matter what the situation is - - there will be fights, you just have to know when to pick 'em and fight 'em. Sales job is to sell and make a commission.  Turning down revenue/ad dollars is not in their nature.  Programmers are trained to work with a 'sound' and a 'direction'.  Those two don't go hand in hand.  Ever hear the story of the "frog and scorpion..."?

Quoted from Ally Oop

Absolutely, it can.  But, unless the GM, GSM, or President comes from the programming background, there are squabbles.  

Testify brothuh!!!

I agree. The more actual on air experience your upper management has, the fewer the problems.
(And when I mean "actual", I mean more than 3 years. Cracking the mike for a year, and then moving over to sales does not qualify as "actual")

Unfortunately, there are too many managers with no real deep radio background.... imo.

I think they can and I'm not totally certain that the upper management NEEDS a programming background.  What it boils down to is everyone understanding and accepting each other's roles.  It's one thing to know what you do and know how to do it well.  It's another to understand what the other person is trying to do.  The worst situations I've ever been in are when the sales staff/management thinks they can make programming decisions.  Or when on-air staff/management thinks they know how to sell.  The two positions are supposed to compliment each other.  Yet, everywhere I go it seems that no one understands that aspect of it.