IHeartMedia says Jason McCollim has been named senior vice president of programming for its Colorado Springs, Colo., and Pueblo, Colo., markets. IHeartMedia Augusta also announced Cliff Bennett has been named evening drive host for WBBQ(FM). In addition, John Laurenti has been named program director for WHEB(FM) and WGIR(FM) for iHeartMedia New Hampshire, and the same cluster chose Matt Leonard as production director and afternoon host on WHEB, effective September 2015.
As SVP of Programming, McCollim will work with talent and programming to deliver opportunities to reach listeners through iHeartMedia Colorado Springs and Pueblo’s assets. He will also work with the sales team.
Cliff Bennett
McCollim previously worked at iHeartMedia Spokane as PD for KKZX(FM) and KQNT(AM).
The cluster includes KIBT(FM), KVUU(FM), KKLI(FM), KCCY(FM) and KDZA(FM) in Colorado Springs, as well as KPHT(FM), KCSJ(AM) and KCCY(AM) in Pueblo.
Cliff Bennett, who was recently promoted to PD of WBBQ(FM), also programs the classic rocker WEKL(FM). He serves as digital content director for the Augusta, Ga., market and will take over evening drive duties on WBBQ. His 22 years in radio began in 1993, with a brief exit in 2002, he returned to iHeartMedia as APD/midday host of WEKL(FM) in 2007.
IHeartMedia Augusta owns and operates WBBQ(FM), WKSP(FM), WSCG(FM), WPRW(FM), WEKL(FM), WSCG(FM) and is part of iHeartMedia.
John Laurenti was most recently heard on CBS Radio’s WZLX(FM) in Boston. He also held previous roles with CBS Radio at WODS(FM) in Boston and WHJY(FM) in Providence. Laurenti will be based in Manchester, N.H.
Matt Leonard joins iHeartMedia New Hampshire operations from Entercom in Boston and has also been an instructor at the Connecticut teaching audio production. He also produces a Pink Floyd podcast at floydpodcast.com.