iHeartMedia Promotes Brad Hardin, Jon Zellner and Maynard to Executive Vice Presidents of National Programming Platforms
Hardin to Become Executive Vice President and General Manager; Zellner to Become Executive Vice President of Programming Operations; and Maynard Elevated to Executive Vice President of National Programming Strategy
New York, NY – August 28, 2015 - iHeartMedia, which has the largest reach in the U.S. of any radio and television outlet, announced today that 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 Executive Vice President of National Strategy. All positions will report directly to Tom Poleman, President of National Programming Platforms, and will be based out of New York City.
In their new positions, Hardin, Zellner and Maynard will work closely with Poleman to oversee all aspects of National Programming Platforms – which includes collaborating with local programmers at iHeartMedia’s more than 850 stations to develop content to drive ratings. National Programming Platforms also leverages iHeartMedia’s massive on-air and digital reach to produce live and televised events, including the iHeartRadio Music Festival and the iHeartRadio Music Awards; oversees the company’s artist relations; and develops and executes iHeartMedia’s national advertising and programming integrations.
Hardin will focus on the support for the local stations’ programming efforts, overseeing iHeartMedia’s regional Senior and Executive Vice Presidents of Programming and leveraging groups like the company’s Brand Management in-house format team. He has been with iHeartMedia for over 15 years, most recently serving as regional Executive Vice President of Programming and the company-wide Brand Manager for iHeartMedia’s Active Rock / Alt stations. Hardin’s extensive programming background also includes roles as Senior Vice President of Programming for the West Major markets and programming leadership positions in Tampa, Cincinnati, Dayton, and Louisville.
“I’m looking forward to working more closely with the amazing people on our National Programming Platforms team as well as programmers throughout our markets -- they are the very best in content creation and live event marketing,” Hardin said. “I’m excited to have the opportunity to further contribute to our future growth, and continuing to demonstrate the power of iHeartMedia’s local and national brands."
Zellner will manage the division’s operations, ensuring that iHeartMedia’s 850+ local radio stations in over 150 markets are able to best utilize the company’s unparalleled national resources. He is a 25-year media veteran who joined iHeartMedia in 2009 as Senior Vice President of Programming and most recently served as Executive Vice President of Programming, working with over 200 stations in all formats across 45 markets. Zellner’s experience also includes senior management positions at Sirius XM and CBS Radio.
“iHeartMedia continues to set the industry standard for innovation and one-of-a-kind content,” said Zellner. “I’m honored and very excited to have the opportunity to work with Tom and the programming team on implementing new ideas and strategies for our incredible brands.”
In addition, the company announced that Maynard has been elevated to Executive Vice President of National Programming Strategy. In this role, 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.
"I’ve had an incredible experience since joining iHeartMedia. It’s extremely motivating to work with a company that is committed to exceeding expectations both internally and with our millions of listeners,” said Maynard. "The people in this company are what make it great, and I am truly grateful for this opportunity and even more excited for what lies ahead.”
“iHeartMedia’s strength is built on our great programmers working together to develop great content and experiences for our listeners utilizing our unmatched scale," said Poleman. “Brad, Jon, and Maynard each have a remarkable amount of hands-on experience programming some of the best local radio stations in the world, making them uniquely qualified to lead our company-wide programming initiatives."