Audacy has announced that Pat Paxton has stepped down from his position as Chief Programming Officer after twenty plus years in the company.
Paxton joined then-Entercom as Operations Manager of Rhythmic AC “Star 93.7” WQSX Boston before rising to his current role in 2004 and also recently led the company’s Content Innovation Group producing original digital and social content and syndicating local show. Prior to joining Entercom, Paxton was National Programming Director of Nationwide Communications and Adventure Communications and programming KHMX Houston and WOMX Orlando.
The company has also announced that they have promoted Jeff Sottolano to EVP/Head of Programming. Sottolano joined the company through the CBS Radio acquisition. He has previously programmed WZNE Rochester, and WYSP and WIP Philadelphia before becoming National Director of Programming for CBS Radio in 2014 and later VP/Programming in 2015 and SVP/Programming for Entercom in 2018.
Entercom CEO David Field released the following memo regarding the change.
Team-
I am writing to share the news that Pat Paxton, Audacy’s Chief Programming Officer, is stepping down from his role and leaving Audacy. Pat has been a key leader in the organization for the past 21 years, spearheading programming and playing a critical role in helping us build many of the industry’s greatest brands. Pat’s steady, decisive leadership and thoughtful insights have made him a valuable and trusted voice on Audacy’s leadership team. Pat has left an outstanding legacy at Audacy which will stand the test of time. We deeply appreciate his many important contributions to our success and everything he has meant to this company. Please join me in thanking Pat for all of his excellent work at Audacy and wishing him all the best for the future.
Today, I am pleased to announce that Jeff Sottolano has been promoted to EVP, Head of Programming. Like Pat, Jeff is a veteran team member, having spent his entire career at Audacy, Entercom, CBS Radio and Infinity. Since the merger, he has played an important leadership role overseeing a number of initiatives and many key elements of our programming. Over the past year, Jeff led our news transformation efforts and the launch of the BetQL Network. In addition, he expanded our programming data and analytics capabilities, managed our network content partnerships and contributed to our Audacy Exclusive Station launch strategy.
In his new role, Jeff will be responsible for the content strategy and performance of Audacy’s local brands in all formats across both broadcast and digital distribution platforms. He will oversee our outstanding programming leadership team, including SVP, Programming Dave Richards, VP, News Bill Smee, VP, Sports Matt Volk and Audacy’s team of experienced Format VPs. He will also work closely with our Music Initiatives and Live Events team led by SVP, Music Initiatives Michael Martin and SVP, Promotions and Experiences Chad Fitzsimmons, as Audacy curates amazing experiences for its listeners in-person and online. Finally, he will collaborate with digital leadership to ideate new and exclusive features and content on the Audacy app and distribution platform as the company expands its capabilities and offerings.
Please join me in congratulating Jeff on his new role at Audacy.
David