After over 21 years at Cox Media Group’s Houston cluster, Johnny Chiang is departing to launch Red Street Records with Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts where he will serve as VP of Radio Promotions and Artist Development.
Chiang originally came to Houston to launch 80s Hits “106.9 The Point” and Rhythmic CHR “Hot 97.1” KTHT in 2000 when Cox acquired its current Houston cluster as part of the spinoffs from the AMFM/Clear Channel merger. He would soon rise to PD of Country “93Q” KKBQ-FM in 2004 and what would eventually become Classic Rock “107.5/106.9 The Eagle” KGLK/KHPT and added OM duties in 2006. In 2020 Chiang became Country Format Leader for Cox. He began his career in Los Angeles at 640 KFI and 103.5 KOST where he rose to APD/MD and then Program Director of the latter.
Chiang will be assisting in the transition and work with Cox Media Houston through the Houston Rodeo and Livestock show, which ends in late March.
Cox is already seeking applicants for a new Houston cluster Operations Director with responsibilities including over-sight of all Programming, Promotions and Production Departments for Cox Media Group-Houston and maintaining their budgets.
Cox Media Group (“CMG”) today announced that after 31 years in radio, 29 years with Cox Media Group and 21 years leading CMG Houston content, Johnny Chiang will be joining Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts to create Red Street Records, country music’s newest record label.
Chiang started his career with CMG in Los Angeles at KFI in 1991 before moving to Houston in 2000 to launch KHPT and soon after being appointed to lead the legendary KKBQ. In 2006, he became Operations Director of the CMG Houston cluster and has racked up numerous recognitions and awards over the years including being inducted into the Texas Radio Hall of Fame and named the Most Influential Country Program Director in America by Billboard Magazine.
“We thank Johnny for his many years of leadership with CMG and service to the Houston community and wish him well as he sets off on this new adventure” said Keith Lawless, CMG Regional Vice President. Rob Babin, SVP and head of CMG Radio added, “His positive impact on our CMG radio brands and people will continue for many years and we wish him well in this new chapter in his career.”
Chiang added, “In my nearly 30 years at CMG, I’ve been blessed with the best teammates anyone could ever hope to have. Thank you for your trust in me to lead some of the best radio brands in America. You are my CMG family, and that will never change.”
Chiang will be assisting in this important transition and working with CMG Houston through the Houston Rodeo and Livestock show, which ends in late March. The search for CMG Houston’s next Operations Director to oversee legendary country station 93Q (KKBQ), classic rock 106.9/107.5 The Eagle (KGLK) and 97.1 Country Legends (KTHT), begins today. Applicants can submit their resume here.
This story first appeared on radioinsight.com