Urban One has confirmed that David Kantor will retire as CEO of Radio One and Reach Media on January 5, 2025.
Kantor co-founded Reach Media with Tom Joyner in 2002 and joined Radio One when it acquired a 51% controlling stake in Reach Media in 2004. Radio One would expand its ownership stake in Reach Media to 80% in 2012 and merge its internal Syndication One division into the company. Kantor would then add the oversight of the entire radio station group in 2015. Prior to launching Reach Media, Kantor started his career as a local programming and sales researcher and then held roles at Satellite Music Network where he would rise to President followed by time as President of ABC Radio Networks, where he oversaw the launch of Joyner’s national morning show, ESPN Radio and Radio Disney. He then was SVP/Network Operations for AMFM Inc. where he would launch their network from 1996 until its 2000 sale to Clear Channel.
He will be succeeded in his role by the promotion of Eddie Harrell Jr. and Deon Levingston to the roles of co-Presidents of Urban One’s Audio Division. The Cleveland based Harrell joined the company in 2011 as VP/General Manager of the company’s Columbus properties before moving to Cleveland and soon becoming Regional VP overseeing those two markets and Cincinnati. Levingston has served as Indianapolis based Regional Vice President and General Manager since 2016. He has previously held roles as General Manager, President and SVP/Market Manager for YMF Media and Emmis Communications in New York from 2004-2016 preceded by an earlier stint at Radio One Indianapolis as Local Sales Manager, Director of Sales, and Market Manager from 1998 to 2004.
Urban One CEO Alfred Liggins said, “The radio industry is losing one of its giants, and Urban One is bidding farewell to a venerable leader whose passion and vision have helped to shape our industry, guide our company, and serve our growing and diverse audience. Eddie Harrell, Jr. and Deon Levingston are ready to take the helm and build on the legacy David leaves behind They understand our brand, our audience, and our position in this industry. Their talent and experience are just what we need moving forward.”
This story first appeared on radioinsight.com