Industry News

O’Malley Promoted to SVP of Revenue Development for Saga

Saga Communications announces the promotion of Paul O’Malley imgto SVP of revenue development after having served as president and general manager for the company’s Charleston, South Carolina cluster for the past eight years. O’Malley says, “I’m honored by the opportunity to help lead Saga’s next phase of growth by developing innovative revenue strategies, strengthening client partnerships, and working alongside our exceptional fulfillment partners and corporate team.”

Industry News

Audacy Philadelphia SVP Yadgaroff to Retire

Longtime Philadelphia SVP and market manager for Audacy’s Philadelphia station group David Yadgaroff announces he’s retiring from the company. He tells his staff, “Leading these iconic stations has been a great privilege and working alongside our team has been the most rewarding part of my journey. Our team has consistently deliveredimg unique, compelling content, embraced meaningful evolution, and made a real difference for our communities, our advertisers and one another. I am incredibly proud of the people in the Philadelphia radio market and across the country, whom I’ve had the opportunity to hire, train and mentor. Watching their growth and success has been a joy. After an extraordinary run of dedicating myself to radio and my colleagues for decades, it feels like the right time to step away and take time for myself, spend more time with family and friends, pursue new opportunities and contribute to organizations in meaningful new ways. I leave with deep gratitude and confidence in the future.” Audacy region president Mark Hannon says Yadgaroff will stay in his position through the end of May as they work on a smooth transition for the staff and the stations’ clients. The Audacy cluster includes news/talk WPHT and sports talk WIP-FM. 

Industry News

Connoisseur Names Frisk Palm Springs Market Manager

Connoisseur Media names Sommer Frisk market manager for its Palm Springs cluster that includes “K-NEWS” (KNWZ-AM, KNWQ-AM, K284CR), sports talk KKUU-HD2 “ESPN 103.9,” and six music brands.img  Frisk is also serving the company as regional manager for Alaska and Salt Lake City. She was most recently with Cumulus Media as VP and market manager for the Oxnard-Ventura, California market. Connoisseur Western Region SVP Tina Murley says, “Sommer’s leadership, passion for local media, and her ability to connect with communities make her an ideal addition to the Connoisseur family. As we deepen presence in Palm Springs, Alaska, and Salt Lake City, Sommer’s strategic vision, commitment to local communities, and operational expertise will be invaluable.”

Industry News

Connoisseur Media Names Tina Murley SVP

Connoisseur Media names Tina Murley senior vice president, Western Region and marketimg manager for San Francisco and San Jose. Murley was most recently chief revenue officer for Beasley Media Group. Connoisseur Media CEO Jeff Warshaw says, “Tina is exactly the kind of leader we look for at Connoisseur. She brings exceptional operational instincts and a people-first leadership style that aligns perfectly with our culture. We could not be more excited to welcome her to the Connoisseur family as we continue to grow our presence on the West Coast.”

Industry News

St. John Upped to DOS for Bonneville Seattle

Bonneville International promotes Crista St. John to director of sales for the Seattle market that includes news/talk KIRO-FM, KIRO-AM “Seattle Sports,” conservative talk KTTH-AM “Seattle Red,” and MyNorthwest.com. St. John, who has been serving as general sales manager,img comments, “I’m honored and excited to take on this new role and continue building on the incredible momentum our teams have created. Bonneville Seattle is home to passionate, talented individuals who care deeply about our brands, our partners, and our community. I look forward to helping us grow even stronger – together.” Bonneville Seattle SVP and market manager Cathy Cangiano states, “Crista has consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership, strategic insight, and a deep commitment to relationship-building. Her promotion is a testament to the impact she’s made and the confidence we have in her ability to lead us into the future. Crista was the clear choice for this role, and I’m thrilled to partner with her as we shape the next chapter for Bonneville Seattle. Her vision and energy will be instrumental in our continued growth.”

Industry News

Joel Clary Joins KSE Media Ventures

Media pro Joel Clary joins KSE Media Ventures in Denver as SVP and general manager for theimg company’s four stations that includes sports talk KKSE-AM/FM. Clary most recently served with Salem Media Group as regional multimedia sales manager and takes over for Dave Fleck who left the company to start up his own company. Clary comments, “I am incredibly excited to join an organization with such a passionate fan base and an unparalleled portfolio of teams and venues. I look forward to contributing to the continued success and growth of the KSE family.”

Industry News

Castor to Lead Audacy Wichita

Audacy promotes Tommy Castor to SVP and market manager for the Wichita market that includes news/talk KNSS-AM/FM, sports talk KFH-AM/FM and three music brands. Castor will continue to serve asimg VP of sales for the market. Castor is taking over for Becky Domyan, who continues her role as to serve as SVP and market manager for the St. Louis market. Castor has also co-hosted “Sports Daily” on KFH Radio since 2022. Audacy regional president Brian Purdy says, “Tommy has a proven track record of success and a deep connection to this market, and we couldn’t be happier to have him take the reins to lead Audacy Wichita forward. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Becky for her leadership and impactful work in Wichita. We are thankful for the strong foundation she leaves behind and are confident Tommy will build upon that success.”

Industry News

Audacy Promotes Deegan to SVP and Market Manager

Audacy promotes Tatjana Deegan to SVP and market manager for the Austin station group that includes news/talk KJCE-AM and three music brands. Deegan has been serving as vice president of sales for theimg cluster and will continue in that role. Audacy regional president Brian Purdy comments, “Over the past few months, Tatjana has seamlessly led the team with the powerful combination of her contagious passion for this business and people-first leadership. Since stepping in as vice president of sales a little over a year ago, she has been a driving force in the market’s success, and we’re confident she’ll bring that same energy and creativity to her expanded role. We’re excited to see how she continues to uplift our Austin brands.”

Industry News

Angela Reed Appointed to SVP Inside Sales Division at iHeartMedia

iHeartMedia names Angela Reed SVP, Inside Sales Division. The company notes that the Inside Sales Division is a team of nearly 100 full-time employees and over 75 account executives that offer iHeart’s suiteim of broadcast, events, digital and podcast products to advertisers across all markets. In this role, Reed will manage iHeartMedia’s largest individual sales team and create advertising opportunities for brands and iHeartMedia partners across the company’s array of platforms including radio broadcasting, digital, mobile, outdoor, live concerts and events and more. iHeartMedia president of multimarket partnerships Julie Donohue says, “We’re thrilled to welcome Angela and her extensive experience to iHeartMedia. We know she’ll make an immediate positive impact as SVP of our Inside Sales Division, a key role in keeping our company thriving and broadening our reach even further.” Reed most recently served as chief sales officer at Miradore, a purveyor of mobile device management software.

Industry News

Audacy Elevates Jeff Miller in Cleveland

Audacy names Jeff Miller SVP, market manager and director of sales for the Cleveland operations that includes sports talk WKRK-FM “92.3 The Fan” and four music brands.  Audacy regional president Markim Hannon says, “Jeff has been one of our key sales management leaders for nearly three decades, leading robust sales teams and managing salespeople of all experience levels. He has also been an integral player in making ‘92.3 The Fan’ one of the market’s dominant revenue leaders while managing the relationship with our key partner, the Cleveland Browns. I know that Jeff will advance the legacy of Tom Herschel as Audacy Cleveland’s new leader, and I look forward to working with him to set the path forward.” Miller comments, “I am humbled, motivated and very excited to accept this fantastic opportunity to lead Audacy Cleveland. I look forward to working with our team and the entire organization to build on the success we experienced under Tom Herschel’s guidance.”

Industry News

Cumulus Promotes Shoshana Shapiro to SVP

Cumulus Media promotes Shoshana Shapiro to SVP, corporate communications and marketing from her current role as VP, corporate communications and marketing initiatives. In this new role, Shapiro will also oversee marketing for key revenue-generating programs across the company’s 85 markets. She will continueim reporting to president and CEO Mary G. Berner and remain a member of the company’s leadership team. Berner states, “Shoshana’s promotion is a reflection of the essential and unique role that she has played at Cumulus over the last nine years. Her communications work has helped us build one of the healthiest and most positive corporate cultures in our industry. Her revenue generation efforts have resulted in millions of dollars of incremental revenue for the company and significant improvements in the competitiveness of our local market sellers. Moreover, her insights and collaborative spirit have made her an invaluable member of our leadership team and I’m looking forward to her continued success in this new role.”

Industry News

SiriusXM Names van Mosel SVP of Podcast Strategy

SiriusXM appoints Sarah van Mosel to the new role SVP, podcast strategy. Van Mosel previously served as chief revenue officer with Stitcher, the aggregator that SXM Media acquired for $353 million back in 2020. In a memo to staff, SiriusXM president and chief content officer Scott Greenstein says, “As podcasting continues to be a major driver of growth in our overall business, we are organizing theim best team in the industry to power our next chapter… A major area of focus is expanding our relationships with top podcasts as we look to grow both our exclusive content portfolio and support our successful advertising business. To help us achieve our goals, we decided to bring in an expert to champion SiriusXM in the marketplace. I am thrilled to welcome Sarah van Mosel back to SiriusXM in a new role as SVP of podcast strategy, reporting directly to me. In this role, Sarah will develop a targeted podcast acquisition strategy as well as source and attract up and coming new talent to the SiriusXM Podcast Network.” Greenstein says van Mosel will work with SVP of podcasting content Adam Sachs.

Industry News

Compass Media Networks’ Michelle Salvatore to Leave the Company

Compass Media Networks announces that sports division SVP and general manager Michelle Salvatore is resigning after more than 15 years with the company to pursue an entrepreneurial opportunity outside of media. The company says Salvatore will continue with the company through the spring and will advise the company on a transition plan. Compass founder and CEO Peter Kosannim says, “Back in Spring of 2009, during the chaos and sleepless nights involved in launching this national media company, the media gods sent me an angel in the form of Michelle Salvatore. Michelle faced down every challenge, worked tirelessly and with good cheer, and set a gold standard of excellence for not only Compass Media Networks, but our industry. We love and will miss Michelle dearly. Our goal is to build upon the greatness she created as we move ahead into the next chapter of our evolution.” Salvatore comments, “Working at Compass Media Networks literally changed my life for the better. I was able to travel the globe, producing games throughout the United States, Latin America and Europe, and had the chance to work with incredibly talented, passionate, and kind people. I am forever grateful to my dear friends at Compass Media Networks.”

Industry News

Audacy Announces Market Leadership Moves

Audacy announces “strategic leadership updates and promotions to bolster the company’s commitment to its local markets.” Gina Massenzi is promoted to SVP and market manager for Las Vegas that includes news/talk outlets KDWN and KXNT and four music brands. She has been serving the cluster as director of sales. Dan Barron rises to SVP and market manager for New Orleans that includes news/talkim WWL-AM/FM, sports talk WWWL-AM, and four music brands. Barron succeeds Kevin Cassidy, who was named SVP and market manager of Audacy Chicago in December. Additionally, Bob Mackay assumes the role of vice president of sales for Audacy Dallas after serving in the same post in Austin. And three regional presidents add responsibilities to their regions as Doug Abernethy picks up regional and direct oversight of Audacy Austin, Brian Purdy adds regional oversight for Audacy Chicago, Madison, and Milwaukee, and Mark Hannon assumes regional oversight of Audacy Minneapolis. Audacy COO Susan Larkin comments, “We have a very strong leadership team that has enabled us to make strategic changes and promote talent with multi-year track records of success. These leadership moves continue to position our local brands to deliver exceptional listener experiences and client value while reinforcing our commitment to excellence in the communities we serve.”

Industry News

Robert Dove to Lead Alpha Media Portland as Lisa Decker Retires

Alpha Media names Robert Dove SVP/market manager for its Portland station group that includes news/talk KXL-FM, talk KUFO-AM, sports talk KXTG-AM and four music brands. This comes as current market manager Lisa Decker announces her retirement at the end of this year after seven years withim the company. Dove, who starts on January 1, comes to Alpha Media from iHeartMedia where he most recently served as Pacific Northwest Region president. Alpha Media president and CEO Bob Proffitt commented on the announcement, “I am very excited to have Robert lead us to new heights, opportunities, and successes. He knows Portland like no other broadcaster, has deep relationships and knowledge of our city’s intricacies, and will be a great addition to our team of market managers all across America.” Dove adds, “I’m very excited to join the Alpha Media team. As a native Portlander having the chance to work with some of Portland radio’s most iconic brands is very rewarding and fulfilling. I can’t wait to get started.”

Industry News

iHeartMedia Names Angel Jarquin SVP of Programming

iHeartMedia announces that Fresno market programmer Angel “Visa” Jarquin is named SVP of programming for the Pacific Area that includes Fresno, Riverside, Monterey, Modesto, Stockton,im Bakersfield and Spokane. In his new role as SVP of programming, Jarquin will be responsible for the oversight of programming and promotions across all Pacific Area iHeartMedia stations. iHeartMedia Pacific Area president Steve Darnell says, “Angel has a successful track record programming some of the most dynamic station brands in the market. His creativity, leadership and background on-air make him perfectly positioned to lead our station programming to connect with listeners throughout the Pacific Area.”

Industry News

Cressy Walton Named VP of Sales at iHeartMedia Phoenix

iHeartMedia names Cressy Walton vice president of sales for the Phoenix Region, effective October 9. She most recently served with Alpha Media Portland as director of sales. The University of Arizonaim grad began her career in the Phoenix market. Phoenix region SVP of sales Nancie Sullivan comments, “I couldn’t be more thrilled to have Cressy join our team here in Phoenix. With her knowledge of the market and her extensive experience, she will be an integral part of the leadership team who will continue to strengthen our position in the market and in the Phoenix ad community.”

Industry News

Sullivan Promoted to SVP of Sales for iHeartMedia Phoenix Region

iHeartMedia announces that sales pro Nancie Sullivan is promoted from VP of sales to SVP of salesim for the Phoenix Region that includes news/talk KFYI-AM and sports talk KGME, plus six music brands. iHeartMedia Phoenix region president Linda Little says, “I am thrilled to have Nancie step into this role and lead our Phoenix sales team to the next level. I know Nancie will bring her passion, creativity and leadership talents to help us further grow our business and partnerships.”

Industry News

iHeartMedia Executive Chuck Deskins to Retire

iHeartMedia announces that SVP, Inside Sales Division Chuck Deskins will retire from the company on December 31. Deskins has served with iHeartMedia for more than 32 years, beginning his career inim Cincinnati as an AE at 700 WLW in 1987 when it was part of Jacor Communications. He worked his way up through numerous sales positions within the company, assuming his current role in 2019. As SVP of the Inside Sales Division, Deskins managed iHeartMedia’s largest individual sales team and created advertising opportunities for brands and iHeartMedia partners across the company’s vast array of platforms including radio broadcasting, digital, mobile, outdoor, live concerts and events and more. Deskins says, “I’m really going to miss my Inside Sales family and all my iHeart friends across the country. What an awesome group. Thanks to everyone for making this an awesome ride.”

Industry News

Audacy’s Tim Wenger and Susan Rose Profiled in Buffalo News

A lot of media people outside of the Buffalo market don’t know that Audacy Buffalo SVP and marketim manager Tim Wenger and WBEN-AM morning drive personality Susan Rose are a married couple – for 30 years now – who met at WBEN in 1986 when Tim was imhired as a programming assistant and Susan trained him for the position. Tim has risen through the programming ranks to become SVP and market manager and Susan co-hosts the news/talk station’s “A New Morning” show with Brian Mazurowski. Interestingly, Tim has been Susan’s boss since 1993, including during the period when they co-hosted the “Buffalo’s Evening News” program together in the mid- to late-1990s. They are featured in a profile story in the Buffalo News. Read this cool piece here.

Industry News

Tim Wenger Leading Audacy’s Buffalo Stations

Audacy promotes Tim Wenger to SVP and market manager of its Buffalo market. In this role, Wenger will oversee the market’s portfolio of stations that includes news/talk WBEN-AM, sports talkers WGR-AM and WWKB-AM, plus three music brands. Wenger is taking over for Tim Holly who recently announced his retirement. Wenger worked his way up to this role from the programming side of the business. He launched his radio career as a news reporter and anchor at WBEN in 1986. He subsequently rose to news director, program director and brand manager/operations director for the spoken-word stations. Wenger is a recent inductee into the Buffalo Broadcasters Hall of Fame. Audacy regional president Mark Hannon states, “Tim has been a leading presence in our building for nearly 40 years, and it seems only fitting that he now takes over the reins of the market. He has intimate knowledge of our local brands, and I can think of no one better to pick up the mantle from Tim Holly and lead us into the future.” Wenger comments, “As a lifelong Buffalonian, it’s surreal to be assuming the leadership role for Audacy Buffalo’s group of stations. The unique content and personalities on the brands, combined with strong client and sports play-by-play partnerships, positions Audacy for growth and success in Buffalo.”

Industry News

Greg Chance Named SVP/Programming for iHeartMedia

iHeartMedia announces that Greg Chance is named SVP of programming for Des Moines, St. Louis, Indianapolis and the North Dakota Area, effective immediately. This group of markets includes more than 20 stations. Chance returns to the radio business and iHeartMedia after having most recently served as vice president for Diamond Oil.  Chance says, “I am profoundly humbled that iHeart would allow me this opportunity. I look forward to reuniting with my past colleagues and meeting new colleagues in the immediate future. This gives me a sense of peace and I’m extremely flattered and grateful. I look forward to diving back into all of these brands and vetting all the new ones. To say that I am excited to return, would be an understatement.”

Industry News

SiriusXM Names Gail Berger SVP/GM of Automotive Partnerships

SiriusXM promotes Gail Berger to SVP and general manager of automotive partnerships, taking over for the retiring Rodney Pickett. SiriusXM chief commercial officer Joe Verbrugge says, “Gail is a proven leader with extensive relationships and experience in the automotive community and whose programs have delivered significant, positive results for our organization. We are excited for Gail to lead our automotive teams and to continue to drive growth of SiriusXM’s dominant in-car presence.” Berger comments, “SiriusXM’s strong and deep relationships with every major automaker and tens of thousands of dealers and remarketing organizations across the United States are a testament to our team’s talent and capability. I am excited to step into this leadership position and continue to grow our business and deliver the best customer experiences in the vehicle.”

Industry News

iHeartMedia Promotes Zanetis to EVP of Sales, Markets Automotive

iHeartMedia promotes Joey Zanetis from his previous role as SVP of automotive business development and partnerships to EVP, sales, markets automotive, effective immediately. In his new role, Zanetis will be responsible for representing iHeartMedia in the industry; developing, leading and owning the iHeartMedia revenue performance for the markets automotive category; and unifying iHeart’s approach to markets automotive across the space. He will oversee an automotive advertising business that consults with thousands of tier 2 and tier 3 automotive clients across the iHeartMedia enterprise. iHeartMedia EVP sales and operations John Karpinski says, “There is no success without a successor, so I’m really excited for Joey to take the reins of the iHeart automotive markets division. Throughout the years, Joey has not only shown himself to be an amazing leader by driving measurable success for clients and iHeart but has also proven to be great at ‘coaching up’ his team. I’m excited for Joey to build on the success he’s had on the West Coast with our entire automotive organization.”

Industry News

Bonneville Names Jeff Clewett Director of Sales in Denver

Radio sales pro Jeff Clewett is promoted to the director of sales position at Bonneville Denver, which operates sports talkers KKFN-FM “Denver Sports” and KEPN-AM “ESPN Denver,” plus two music brands. Clewett has been serving the company as general sales manager for KMVP-FM “Arizona Sports.” Bonneville Denver SVP and market manager Katie Reid says, “We couldn’t be more thrilled to have Jeff join our sales team. I know he will show our clients exceptional results and take Denver sales to the next level through his keen strategic thinking, business acumen and strong focus on community.” Clewett comments, “I am humbled and excited to work with such a talented team and iconic brands that are so meaningful to the market. The Bonneville Denver sales team has a track record of tremendous success and I look forward to finding new ways to maximize revenue, deliver extraordinary results for our partners and develop our people.”