New York, NY – February 6, 2018 – iHeartMedia announced today a long-term contract extension with noted programming and company veteran Thea Mitchem to continue her role in its National Programming Group as Executive Vice President of Programming for its Northeast Division. She will continue to report to Brad Hardin, Executive Vice President and General Manager of the iHeartMedia National Programming Group and Scott Hopeck, President of iHeartMedia New York.
Under the new agreement, Mitchem will continue to partner with iHeartMedia Markets Group Division President Tom McConnell to collaborate with its regions located in the East, providing national programming assets, services and resources. In addition, she will continue to oversee programming of 60-plus iHeartMedia stations in over a dozen markets, including New York City, Boston and Philadelphia. She will also remain a key member of iHeartMedia’s Urban Brand Management Team and help book artists and produce events including Power 105.1 FM’s Powerhouse. Additionally, Mitchem will continue as Program Director for iHeartMedia New York’s Power 105.1 FM, New York's Hip-Hop and R&B, where she works closely with the brand’s nationally-recognized on-air personalities including The Breakfast Club and the sales team to oversee the station’s on-air content, digital footprint and music programming.
“Thea is unquestionably one of the most influential women in the radio industry,” said Tom Poleman, Chief Programming Officer for iHeartMedia. “We’re thrilled that she will continue to oversee programming efforts for our Northeast markets. Under her leadership, we have seen unparalleled ratings success in several markets including Washington, D.C., Philadelphia and New York City, where Power 105.1 has posted the best ratings in the station’s over 15-year history.”
Mitchem was named Executive Vice President of Programming for iHeartMedia’s Northeast Division in January 2016. Her over twenty years of radio experience also includes serving as Director of Operations for iHeartMedia Philadelphia and President of iHeartMedia’s Washington D.C. and Baltimore markets, where she grew revenue and audience share for a diverse portfolio of assets including radio stations, the Total Traffic & Weather Network, local digital platforms and live events. Mitchem began her career in programming with WPGC-FM in Washington D.C. Her recognitions include having received the R&R Urban PD of the Year Award, Living Legend Award, Ronnie Johnson Radio Mentor of the Year Award, National Association of Black Female Executives in Music and Entertainment (NABFEME) Executive Milestone Award and S.I.N. Magazine CHR Program Director of the Year Award. For the past two years, Mitchem has been named one of Radio Ink’s Best Program Directors in America.
“I love working with multiple formats and working for iHeartMedia for the past 15 years has allowed me to work with the best talent and programmers in New York and the entire industry,” said Mitchem. “I look forward to continuing to help grow and nurture the next generation of talent and executives, and open doors for more women and minorities in programing and executive positions.”