IHeartMedia says its National Programming Platforms group has named Brad Hardin as its executive vice president and general manager Jon Zellner as its executive vice president of programming operations and Maynard as its EVP of programming strategy. Also, Chris Coleman has been named senior vice president of programming for its Montgomery, Ala., market.
Hardin, Zellner and Maynard will work closely with President of National Programming Platforms Tom Poleman to oversee National Programming Platforms, which includes collaborating with local programmers at more than 850 stations to develop content to drive ratings. National Programming Platforms also leverages on-air and digital reach to produce live and televised events. All report directly to Poleman and will be based out of New York City.
Hardin will focus on the support for the local stations’ programming efforts, overseeing regional senior and EVPs of programming and leveraging groups such as the company’s Brand Management in-house format team. He has been with iHeartMedia for over 15 years, most recently serving as regional EVP of programming and as the company-wide brand manager for iHeartMedia’s active rock /alt stations. His programming background also includes roles as SVP of programming for the West Major markets and programming leadership positions in Tampa, Fla., Cincinnati, Dayton, Ohio, and Louisville, Ky.
Chris Coleman
Zellner will manage the division’s operations, ensuring that iHeartMedia’s 858 local stations are able to utilize the company’s resources, according to a release. He is a 25-year media veteran who joined iHeartMedia in 2009 as SVP of programming and most recently served as EVP of programming, working with over 200 stations in all formats across 45 markets. His experience also includes senior management positions at Sirius XM and CBS Radio.
Maynard will work with iHeartMedia’s programmers to regularly review and fine-tune stations’ on-air products and oversee the company’s team of on-air creative directors led by Vice President of Imaging Kelly Doherty.
As SVP of programming for iHeartMedia Montgomery, Coleman will work with talent and the programming staff to deliver opportunities to reach listeners through iHeartMedia Montgomery’s assets. He will also work with the sales team. Coleman previously worked with Radio One as program director of WOSL(FM)/Old School 100.3 in Cincinnati. His other programming experience includes stops in WFXE(FM) Columbus, Ga., WBLX(FM) Mobile, Ala., and WBHK(FM) Birmingham, Ala. Coleman was also a finalist for the 2011 NAB Marconi Award for Medium Market Personality of the Year.
The Montgomery cluster includes WZHT(FM), WWMG(FM) and WHLW(FM).
