New York, NY – December 1, 2017 – iHeartMedia announced today that its National Programming Group has elevated noted programming veteran John Ivey to the new position of President of CHR (Contemporary Hits Radio) Programming Strategy, effective immediately. He will report to Tom Poleman, Chief Programming Officer for iHeartMedia.
In his new role, Ivey will oversee iHeartMedia’s CHR and RCHR brand formats and work to improve the company’s Top 40 brands in its over 150 markets. In addition, he will continue to guide and develop the company’s roster of CHR programmers and on-air talent, and book artists for events including the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Tour and KIIS FM’s Wango Tango. Ivey will also remain in his role of Program Director of iHeartMedia’s KIIS FM, LA's #1 Hit Music Station.
“For over 15 years, John has played a key role in the success of our Los Angeles market brands and CHR stations nationwide,” said Rich Bressler, President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer for iHeartMedia. “We’re thrilled that he’s taking an even larger role within our National Programming Group and helping groom our next generation of extremely talented CHR Program Directors and top on-air personalities. He will be a valuable resource to Greg Ashlock, President of the iHeartMedia Markets Group and to our Division and Region Presidents.”
“John is one of the foremost talents in media today when it comes to programming Top 40 radio and he is a driving factor in why KIIS FM is the most listened to station in its market,” said Tom Poleman. “He knows what CHR listeners want to hear and we’re confident he’ll help bring similar success to our stations in other markets.”
Ivey is a 40-plus year radio veteran who most recently served as Senior Vice President of Programming, and CHR Brand Manager for iHeartMedia. He began his radio career as an on-air personality and Music Director in his hometown of Owensboro, Kentucky and later led programming efforts for stations in Rochester, New York; Nashville, Tennessee; and Boston. He joined iHeartMedia Los Angeles in 2001 and has served as Vice President of Programming for the market and Program Director of KYSR FM and KHHT FM. Since Ivey joined KIIS FM as its Program Director, the station has been the #1 Arbitron ranked position in the market and is the most listened to station in LA with approximately 4 million weekly listeners. Most recently, Ivey was named one of Billboard magazine’s Top Pop Radio Programmers for 2017.
“Throughout my career I’ve always loved the opportunity to help new artists and young talent and programmers grow and I’m thrilled my new position as President of CHR Programming Strategy makes the things I love top priority,” said Ivey. “Thank you to iHeartMedia for allowing me to get past the 20 year mark in Los Angeles and to continue working with our amazing CHR programming and on-air teams.”