Channel Media and Entertainment has formed a new operating group to run its major market stations.
The Major Markets Operating Group has four divisions led by managers who report to company Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Bob Pittman. They are: EVP Hartley Adkins, EVP Tom McConnell and SVP Kelly Kibler. Greg Ashlock, formerly president of Clear Channel Los Angeles, now expands his responsibilities as president of Clear Channel Southern California. Matt Martin remains president of Regional Markets.
Tom Schurr, president of Operations for Major Markets, has left the broadcaster, the company announced.
“As a company we continue to assess every aspect of our operations to make sure we have the right structure in place to efficiently and effectively leverage our position as the country’s leading multiplatform media and entertainment company,” said Pittman. The new Major Markets Operating Group will collaborate with CCME’s local market management to oversee its media and entertainment platforms in its largest and highest revenue-generating markets.
Each of the new four division leaders will be in positions where they can make the greatest impact on operations and future growth in Clear Channel’s broadcast and revenue-generating markets, and more quickly serve the individual communities in which Clear Channel operates, according to the company.
Clear Channel says this “more aligned” operational management team will provide enhanced communication, collaboration and more efficient access to Clear Channel’s multiplatform assets — including broadcast, digital and events, as well as overall company resources including research, revenue management, strategic analysis, corporate strategy and business affairs — for the leaders of the individual markets and their advertising partners.
Pittman said, “It’s critical that we are able to coordinate and integrate our resources faster and more responsively. With our new Major Markets Operating Group, we will accelerate our decision-making, increase our flexibility and improve results, as well as increase the empowerment and accountability of our individual market leaders.”
