Staff Annoucements

NEW YORK – Sept. 15, 2022 — BIN: Black Information Network, the 24/7 comprehensive national audio news network dedicated to providing an objective, accurate and trusted source of continual news with a Black voice and perspective, announced today that Andrea Coleman has been elevated to Vice President of News Operations, while Mike Stevens becomes BIN’s first-ever Managing Editor.

As Vice President of News Operations, Coleman will lead the charge in keeping BIN: Black Information Network front and center while guiding newsroom operations to optimize the network’s reach, scale and influence. Coleman previously served as News Director of BIN. In the new Managing Editor position, Stevens will work closely with Coleman to guide newsroom operations, as well as assign and coordinate national and local news coverage. The shift in leadership structure comes after the passing of Tanita Myers, a seasoned network and local news manager, producer, broadcaster and anchor who joined BIN in June 2020 and was most recently serving as Vice President of News Operations.

“A major part of Tanita Myers’ legacy at the Black Information Network will forever be the incredible depth of talent she hired. Following her passing, Andrea and Mike not only helped us to continue her work but have built upon this foundation,” said Tony Coles, President of BIN: Black Information Network. “It only felt natural to elevate both to these leadership positions and trust them to continue bringing BIN to new heights. I am excited to see two of our best journalists advance into these new roles, and I am confident we will continue to grow under their leadership.”

Andrea Coleman joined iHeartMedia as an anchor/reporter for the Black Information Network in the summer of 2020 with 30 years of experience in the communications industry. Coleman is an Emmy award-winning journalist who formerly served as an anchor for CNN as well as CBS Atlanta. Other career highlights include the founding and publishing of “Cultured Living Atlanta Magazine,” a local publication that was dedicated to celebrating the history and excellence of the Black community in the metro Atlanta area. A longtime resident of Atlanta, Coleman is familiar with the issues of the Black community and is committed to helping give voice and expression to its success. Coleman has a Bachelor of Communications Degree from the University of Texas at Arlington and a Masters of Professional Studies in Publishing from George Washington University.

Mike Stevens has anchored and reported breaking news from coast to coast. His assignments have included news operations in New York City, Atlanta, Sacramento, Tampa, Flint, Columbus, Ohio and his native Philadelphia. During his 25-year career, Stevens has interviewed many newsmakers, athletes and entertainers including Coretta Scott King, Hank Aaron and Bill Cosby. Stevens reported from the scene of bombings in Atlanta and Birmingham and was among the first to announce the deaths of Michael Jackson, Prince and Whitney Houston.

About BIN: Black Information Network

BIN: Black Information Network is the first and only 24/7 national and local all-news audio service dedicated to providing an objective, accurate and trusted source of continual news coverage with a Black voice and perspective. BIN is enabled by the resources, assets and financial support of iHeartMedia and the support of its Founding Partners: Bank of America, CVS Health, GEICO, Lowe’s, McDonald’s USA, Sony, 23andMe and Verizon. BIN is focused on service to the Black community to help foster communication, accountability and deeper understanding.

As the Former EVP of iHeartRadio Products and User Experience, Knablein Brings Over Two Decades of Experience to the Role

NEW YORK – September 9, 2022 – Today, iHeartMedia announced Uta Knablein as the company’s new Chief Product Officer for iHeartRadio. Knablein steps into the position with more than two decades of work in user experience and product innovation, most recently as iHeartMedia’s Executive Vice President of iHeartRadio’s Flagship Products and User Experience. In her new role, Knablein will report directly to Conal Byrne, CEO of iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group.

“At iHeartMedia, we’re committed to innovation and being on the forefront of this fast paced industry,” said Byrne. “Since joining the team, Uta has played a critical role in elevating the user experience through groundbreaking products and features. With her decades of experience and shared values, there is no doubt she is the right leader for our product team. As we look toward the future, we’re thrilled to have Uta’s depth of industry knowledge to keep us on the cutting edge.”

Prior to joining iHeartMedia in 2018, Knablein worked for Nickelodeon Digital, Outbrain, JPMorgan and CNBC. She brings a deep expertise in leading teams to create behavior-driven and data-informed products that drive audience growth, user engagement, increased loyalty and revenue. In her role as iHeartRadio's EVP of Flagship Products, Knablein led user experience, customer experience and research across more than 250 platforms. Knablein steps into this role following former Chief Product Officer, Chris Williams’ 17-year tenure at iHeartMedia.

“My time at iHeartMedia, working alongside Chris Williams, has been impactful and inspirational – to say the very least. We have built an incredibly talented team that continuously strives to deliver a best-in-class experience and industry-leading products, and I am elated to step into this new role,” said Knablein. “Looking ahead, we have an ambitious roadmap of new innovations that will continue to build on our robust offering, increase market share and drive growth for the iHeartRadio platform.”

iHeartRadio, the free all-in-one digital music, podcasting and live streaming radio service, offers users thousands of Live Radio stations from across the country, personalized custom Artist Radio stations and the top podcasts and on-air personalities available everywhere listeners are. This news follows an extraordinary year of product innovation for iHeartRadio, with the introduction of new offerings such as PodGuides, an interactive platform that encourages travel and exploration through destination-specific podcast episodes; Talk Back, a tool that enables listeners to engage in on-air conversations with their favorite iHeartRadio stations and podcasts; as well as the company's foray into the Metaverse with iHeartLand. Under Knablein’s guidance, iHeartRadio will continue to revolutionize the audio industry.

Visit iHeartMedia.com for more company information.

CHARLOTTE, NC – September 9, 2022 – iHeartMedia announced today that Dave Carwile has been named Metro President for the Carolina markets, effective immediately. iHeartMedia Carolina Region has a strong cross-platform presence and includes a number of iconic brands and franchises — both broadcast and digital — encompassing 28 stations comprised of music, talk and news formats. 

Carwile previously served as Market President for Charlotte, NC. As Metro President for the Carolinas, Carwile will be adding oversight for four additional Carolina markets, including Raleigh, NC; Ashville NC; Greensboro, NC; and Greenville, SC. He will report to Tom McConnell, Division President for iHeartMedia Multi-Platform Group.
 

“Dave understands how to build and cultivate high-performing teams,” McConnell said. “He has proven his ability to drive ratings and revenue across multiple markets, making him the perfect choice to lead the Carolina markets.”

Carwile has been a stalwart for iHeartMedia in the Carolina region for over two decades, with his expertise touching various sides of the business. He previously served as Region President for these markets in 2016 and returns after stints as President of the Virginia-Carolina Region and his current position as President of the Charlotte Metro market. Carwile first joined the company as a Sales Manager for Clear Channel in 1999 in the Richmond, Va. area and has gone on to hold various titles in the region. He is a graduate of Liberty University with a BS Degree in Advertising.

“I’m thrilled to be once again be leading the Carolina Region using iHeartMedia’s one-of-a-kind assets and resources to benefit our listeners and partners,” said Carwile. “There’s already an unparalleled synergy among these five cities. I look forward to working with our new regional team to amplify this special connection and drive even more success across these five markets.”

iHeartMedia is the leading media outlet in the Carolina Region with multiple platforms, including its broadcast stations; live events; data; and its digital businesses and platforms, including mobile, social and its own iHeartRadio, iHeartMedia’s free all-in-one digital music, podcasting and live streaming radio service – with 3 billion app downloads and more than 160 million registered users.

Pittsburgh, PA – September 9, 2022– iHeartMedia announced today that D.J. Hodge has been named Metro President for Cincinnati and Pittsburgh, effective immediately. iHeartMedia Cincinnati and Pittsburgh have a strong cross-platform presence and includes a number of iconic brands and franchises — both broadcast and digital — encompassing more than 15 stations comprised of music, talk and news formats. 

iHeartMedia has the leading consumer reach and influence across multiple platforms and delivers more live programming than any other media company. Hodge previously served as Market President for Cincinnati, and now as the newly appointed Metro President, he will add oversight to the Pittsburgh market and be responsible for all operations for the Pittsburgh market in addition to the Cincinnati market. He will continue to develop and manage key partnerships with current and potential clients across both market’s portfolio of stations. Hodge will report to Tom McConnell, Division President for iHeartMedia Multi-platform Group.

“D.J. is very strategic and balances creative thinking with data-driven solutions extremely well,” said McConnell. “Not only does he have a great understanding of both content creation and revenue generation, but he is one of the top performing leaders in the division and has earned the opportunity to take on an expanded role.”

D.J. Hodge most recently served as Market President for iHeartMedia Cincinnati. In addition, he also previously served as the Senior Vice President of Sales for iHeartMedia and is a graduate of Western Kentucky University and Ohio University.

 “It is an absolute honor to work with Market President Tim MCaleer and the amazing team at iHeartMedia Pittsburgh,” said Hodge. “I look forward to supporting them in their continued growth and success with our brands and massive audiences in that region. I appreciate this opportunity and thank Tom McConnell and the entire leadership team at iHeartMedia for putting their faith in me to continue the impressive growth trends for iHeartMedia in Cincinnati and Pittsburgh.”

iHeartMedia is the leading media outlet in the Cincinnati and Pittsburgh markets with multiple platforms, including its broadcast stations; live events; data; and its digital businesses and platforms, including mobile, social and its own iHeartRadio, iHeartMedia’s free all-in-one digital music, podcasting and live streaming radio service – with 3 billion app downloads and more than 160 million registered users.

Cleveland/Columbus, Ohio – September 9, 2022 – iHeartMedia announced today that Kris Foley has been named Metro President, effective immediately. iHeartMedia has a strong cross-platform presence in these areas and includes a number of iconic brands and franchises — both broadcast and digital — encompassing more than 14 stations comprised of music, talk and news formats. 

iHeartMedia has the leading consumer reach and influence across multiple platforms and delivers more live programming than any other media company. Foley previously served as Market President for Columbus, Ohio, and now as the newly appointed Metro President, Foley will add oversight to the Cleveland market and be responsible for all operations for both the Cleveland and Columbus markets. She will continue to develop and manage key partnerships with current and potential clients across their portfolio of stations. Foley will report to Tom McConnell, Division President for iHeartMedia Multi-Platform Group.

“Kris is an exceptional leader and has over delivered on every opportunity presented to her,” said McConnell. “She has built an incredible culture of trust, ideation and accountability. I’m excited to have her playing an even larger role for the Division.”

Foley has served in several leadership roles at iHeartMedia, including VP of Business Development of the Multi-Markets Partnership team and Senior VP of Sales for iHeartMedia Cleveland. Foley is a graduate of Ohio University.

"We have iconic brands and talent in Cleveland, and I've seen first-hand how they create powerful results for partners," said Foley. "I'm thrilled to be back working with Market President Keith Hotchkiss and this team. Columbus and Cleveland are both cities on the rise with numerous opportunities to collaborate as we further engage audiences and generate next-level ROI for marketers."

iHeartMedia is the leading media outlet in both Cleveland and Columbus with multiple platforms, including its broadcast stations; live events; data; and its digital businesses and platforms, including mobile, social and its own iHeartRadio, iHeartMedia’s free all-in-one digital music, podcasting and live streaming radio service – with 3 billion app downloads and more than 160 million registered users.

NEW YORK. – June 10, 2022 – iHeartMedia announced today that Kim Guthrie has been named Division President for iHeartMedia Florida, replacing Linda Byrd who enters her retirement effective July 15th.  

As the Florida Division President for the iHeartMedia Markets Group, Guthrie will oversee the operations of the Florida Division for iHeartMedia. She will report directly to Hartley Adkins, President of iHeartMedia Markets Group.  

“At iHeart we pride ourselves on being a ‘talent first’ company, and this decision reflects that commitment. It’s rewarding to find someone who both understands what our listeners need and how to operate in a multi-platform environment. Kim checks every box and more, we’re thrilled she chose to bring her talents to iHeart,” said Adkins. “Her CEO experience at Cox Media Group makes her uniquely qualified for this position." 

Guthrie comes to iHeart with over three decades of experience in the industry. She most recently served as President/Chief Executive Officer of Cox Media Group, a role she ascended to in late 2016. She was instrumental in the evolution and growth of CMG since she first joined the company in 1998 as VP/General Manager for its Long Island, NY radio station group before working her way up through the ranks. Before ascending to CEO, Guthrie further expanded her skills by serving as Executive Vice President of CMG’s National Ad Platforms, where she oversaw the country’s biggest television rep firm. As CEO of CMG, she had complete oversight of the company, including nearly 100 broadcast TV and radio stations, dozens of digital assets and newspapers. She started her career in the midwest, where she worked as a television news reporter and anchor for several ABC affiliates. 

Guthrie was awarded the 2020 Leadership Award by the Broadcasters Foundation of America and is a multi-year honoree of Radio Ink Magazine’s “Most Powerful People in Radio” and “Most Influential Women in Radio.” She also was named “Woman of Distinction” by the March of Dimes, “Humanitarian of the Year” by the Muscular Dystrophy Association, the “Trailblazer Award” by the Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio group (MIW) and was awarded the “Women Who Lead” honor by the Alliance for Women in Media (AWM).

“I am very excited to announce my ‘un-retirement!’ iHeart has become a true employment destination and I am thrilled to be part of America’s #1 audio company,” says Guthrie. “I greatly admire what Bob and Rich have done to transform and expand the company since they took over a decade ago. iHeart’s leadership has built a culture of respect, transparency and innovation, and the entire team has made me feel like I can make a difference here. iHeart’s leadership team and vision for the future are a great fit for me and where I feel I can bring the most value.”

iHeartMedia is the leading media outlet in Florida with multiple platforms, including its broadcast stations; live events; data; and its digital businesses and platforms, including mobile, social and its own iHeartRadio, iHeartMedia’s free all-in-one digital music, podcasting and live streaming radio service – with 3 billion app downloads and more than 160 million registered users.

Orlando, Fla. – April 15. 2022 – iHeartMedia announced today the retirement of media veteran Linda Byrd, Division President for iHeartMedia Florida. As a company leader for four decades at iHeartMedia, Byrd has contributed to the success of nearly 50 different markets and countless employees. Byrd will transition out of her Division President role into an advisory role on July 15 and will continue to report to Hartley Adkins, President of iHeartMedia Markets Group.  One of the duties in her advisory capacity will be the continued involvement in iHeartMedia’s Hispanic footprint, where she has made significant contributions. 

“Having worked with Linda for 25 years, I can testify she is a once-in-a-generation leader:  Incredibly thoughtful, passionate and courageous,” said Adkins. “I am delighted Linda will get more quality time in retirement -- and very pleased we will have the advantage of three more years of her guidance as a consultant.”

Byrd has been in the industry for 45 years, the last 40 with iHeartMedia, including its predecessor companies. During this time, she has overseen 46 different markets. In addition, she has collected impressive accomplishments, including being the first female state chair for any Broadcast Association in the country and the winner of the RAB General Manager of the Year Award. Along with making Radio Ink’s Most Influential Women List for 23 straight years, the American Advertising Federation gave her the Silver Medal Award recognizing her work as an outstanding advertising professional in Florida. In addition, she has received the prestigious Florida Broadcaster of the Year Award. 

“Linda has built and grown iHeartMedia in the Florida region for more than four decades, and we’re grateful for her many years of strong leadership and teambuilding,” said Bob Pittman, CEO and Chairman of iHeartMedia. “She has also been a good friend and advisor—and as she embarks on this new chapter and gives up her operating responsibilities, we are fortunate that she’ll continue on with us as an important and valued advisor.” 

“Every company would benefit from having more Linda’s on their team,” said Greg Ashlock, CEO of iHeartMedia Multiplatform Group. “Linda has made a career of investing in people: From mentoring and developing to challenging, collaborating, and ultimately empowering. She is intelligent, invested, decisive and uncompromisingly authentic. We are better as a company because of her contributions.”

“It’s hard even to say the word retire,” said Byrd. “I have had the most fantastic career working in an industry that I absolutely love. I’ve never even thought about doing anything else. And I am so fortunate to have been on this iHeart train, and previous companies, for the last 40 years. I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I am thankful and excited to have the opportunity to transition into an advisory role for the next stage of my life. And I’m truly appreciative of the support and partnership I have had for so many years with Bob, Rich, Greg and Hartley. I couldn’t have asked for a better team to learn from and work with.”

iHeartMedia is the leading media outlet in Florida with multiple platforms, including its broadcast stations; live events; data; and its digital businesses and platforms, including mobile, social and its own iHeartRadio, iHeartMedia’s free all-in-one digital music, podcasting and live streaming radio service – with 3 billion app downloads and more than 150 million registered users.