iHeartMedia has announced the promotion of Don Martin to Executive Vice President of Programming for iHeartMedia Sports.
Martin has been with iHeartMedia and its predecessors since 1996 previously programming News/Talk 850 KOA Denver from 1996-2003 and its Los Angeles sports properties since then. He oversaw the merger of 690 XETRA and 1150 KXTA and then its 2005 move to 570 KLAC. In 2009 he added duties as SVP/Premiere Networks Sports Programming overseeing Fox Sports Radio.
In the new role, Martin will lead Sports radio operations and oversee recruiting for on-air talent, program directors and board operators for the iHeartMedia Markets Group and Premiere Networks. He will also identify opportunities to expand iHeartMedia Sports partnerships – including leagues, teams, podcasting and broadcast, while continuing to overseen operations, programming and sales for KLAC and the Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Kings, Los Angeles Chargers, and UCLA.
iHeartMedia announced today that Don Martin has been named Executive Vice President of Programming for iHeartMedia Sports, effective immediately.
iHeartMedia Sports is the largest sports audio network in the U.S., with products across broadcast, streaming, digital, podcast and experiential. The portfolio includes the iHeartSports Network, which provides customized local, regional and national sports content and updates across more than 490 stations, reaching more than 75 million people monthly; the Fox Sports Network which features the largest nationally syndicated shows on more than 600 stations with the biggest names in the industry like Dan Patrick and Colin Cowherd; and 78 dedicated sports stations nationwide with 150+ NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL and NCAA teams. Additionally, it features the iHeartPodcast Network, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally according to Podtrac, with more than 40 national and 100 local sports podcasts and 11 of the top 30 most listened to sports podcasts — plus exclusive podcast agreements with the NFL and NBA.
In his new role, Martin will lead Sports radio operations and oversee recruiting for on-air talent, program directors and board operators for the iHeartMedia Markets Group and Premiere Networks. In addition, Martin will identify opportunities to expand iHeartMedia Sports partnerships – including leagues, teams, podcasting and broadcast. He will continue to oversee the programming, promotions, operations and sales for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Kings, Los Angeles Chargers, UCLA and others. Martin will also continue his operational, programming and sales responsibilities for KLAC-AM/Los Angeles.
“The iHeartMedia Sports Network would not be what it is today without Don’s years of experience and innovation,” said Kevin LeGrett, President of iHeartMedia Sports and iHeartMedia Los Angeles. “He is the perfect choice to lead our ever-expanding network, bringing us the most exciting new partnerships and team members.”
“In life, you are only as good as the family around you,” said Martin. “I have had the privilege of working with three of the most incredible families in the business – from KOA in Denver to AM 570 and FOX Sports Radio in LA, and now the family just gets bigger! Thank you, Greg Ashlock, Kevin LeGrett, Julie Talbott, and Tom Poleman for your belief and trust in me. I am a blessed man!”
A 26-year veteran of iHeartMedia, Martin most recently served as Senior Vice President of Programming for FOX Sports Radio and Senior Vice President of KLAC-AM/Los Angeles. Previously, Martin oversaw the merger of AM 690/1150 and was responsible for moving XTRA Sports 690/1150 to 570. Martin also served as Program Director of 850 KOA/Denver. Under his supervision, the station was recognized with Marconi Awards and was named “Station of the Year” five years in a row by the NAB.
This story first appeared on radioinsight.com