iHeartMedia has announced that Chris Conley has signed a multi-year agreement to move into an advisory position with the company as their AC Brand Manager while also leading strategy and research implementation for all the company’s AC stations.
Conley will give up his role as Program Director of Hot AC 103.5 WKTU Lake Success and AC “106.7 Lite-FM” WLTW New York. Conley has programmed WLTW since 2008 and added WKTU in June 2019. He also spent 11 years programming AC “B101” WBEB Philadelphia from 1996-2007 and has programmed in Denver, Boston and Pittsburgh as well as served as VP/AC Programming for McVay Media Consulting.
Conley commented, “I’ve been very fortunate to have worked with the best in New York for 17 years. I’m looking forward to continuing with iHeartMedia and thankful to Thea Mitchem, Tom Poleman and Brad Hardin for valuing my perspective and expertise and developing this new role for me. I’m excited to focus on bringing new insights and opportunities to our stations and brands.”
iHeartMedia Executive Vice President of Programming Thea Mitchem said, “Conley’s journey from broadcaster to a legendary programmer is a testament to his unmatched contributions and passion for the industry. Chris is truly in a class of his own and I’m thrilled that he will continue to contribute and collaborate on the success of our AC brands and New York’s iconic LTW and KTU. Congratulations to Chris on this exciting new chapter!”
Succeeding Conley leading WKTU and WLTW will be current 103.5 KOST Los Angeles and 97.1 WASH Washington PD Jill Kempton.
Kempton will retain her role at WASH, while giving up KOST. She has programmed WASH since November 2017 and relocated to Los Angeles in April 2021. She previously spent five and a half years at WLTW under Conley as APD/MD/Imaging Director after starting her career at WBEB Philadelphia.
Regarding Kempton Mitchem said, “I’m very excited to welcome Jill Kempton back to iHeart New York. Jill is a powerhouse who has led KOST in Los Angeles and WASH-FM in DC back to ratings dominance, it’s only fitting to have Jill take the helm of the iconic LITE FM and The Beat of New York, WKTU.”
Kempton commented, “It’s so great to be back in New York City! I can’t wait to work alongside some of the best and brightest programming minds and talent in the country. The legendary LITE-FM and iconic KTU truly are the heartbeat and soundtrack of this city – and I’m beyond thrilled that I get to be a part of it. Looking forward to continuing to grow these already successful brands to new heights.”
The company will announce plans for KOST in the coming weeks.
This story first appeared on radioinsight.com