Darren Davis
Clear Channel Media and Entertainment has created a new networks group, and Darren Davis will lead this effort as president of the Clear Channel Networks Group.
According to a release, in his new role, Davis will oversee and ensure the success and close integration of Premiere Networks, Total Traffic and Weather Network, the 24/7 News Network and the iHeartRadio Network.
Davis has had a long career within Clear Channel starting at WASH(FM) in Washington, in 1992 as an intern, eventually becoming the station’s program director and overnight on-air host. He has since served as a regional vice president of programming for Clear Channel Detroit and Chicago and worked his way up through the ranks as senior vice president of programming and to his previous role as executive vice president and general manager of national programming platforms.
“One of our biggest priorities is to build out the full potential of our national platforms and networks and explore new opportunities to bring the most compelling content and the biggest advertiser offerings to the national marketplace,” said Davis.
After this restructuring, Julie Talbott will become president of Premiere Networks, reporting into Davis, and will continue to oversee and maintain key affiliate relationships at Premiere Networks, in addition to Total Traffic and Weather Network and iHeartRadio.
Total Traffic and Weather Network is led by Gary Larkin, executive vice president of sales, and Kevin Loftus, senior vice president of operations, the division now also includes weather reports and localized weather information, as well as new sponsorship opportunities.
24/7 News Network, led by Chris Berry, focused on providing news broadcasts and audio, along with text and digital news products. In addition, 24/7 News Network has been expanding its reach into the iHeartRadio Network.
The iHeartRadio Network is led by the recently promoted Chris Williams, who is now senior vice president of programming, and focuses on the digital music programming, curation, affiliate relations and marketing strategies for the app.
All the networks will continue to work with the National Programming Platforms group and the National Sales, Marketing and Partnerships group will continue to handle advertising sales for Premiere Networks within the strategy set by Premiere management.
