Entercom Names Format Captains
Entercom Communications just announced the names of the programming executives appointed to the role of Format Captain across all of the Company’s formats: Steve Butler — News; Mark Chernoff — Sports; Jimmy Gonzalez — Spanish Language; Brian Kelly — Top 40; Michael Martin — Alternative; Mike Moore — Country; Diane Newman — Talk; Nikki Nite — Adult Contemporary; Dave Richards — Rock/Classic Rock; Reggie Rouse — Urban; Jim Ryan — Classic Hits and Steve Salhany — Hot AC.
Michael Martin will continue in his role as SVP of Programming and Music Initiatives in the new organization. “We are excited about the best-in-class programming team we are building at Entercom,” said Pat Paxton, President of Programming, Entercom. “This talented team of experts has the skills and experience to take our live, original and local audio content to new heights and compete at the highest level in the media industry.”
Chris Oliviero, currently Executive Vice President of Programming at CBS Radio will assume the role of Executive Vice President of Programming at Entercom upon completion of the merger. “We are committed to bringing fresh, new thinking to our programming,” said Oliviero. “We are confident that we have the best people in place to deliver the top-rated content across all of our formats that our listeners and partners expect.” Format Captains will report to Pat Paxton and Chris Oliviero effective upon the completion of the merger with CBS Radio, as early as November 17.
Moore & Roberts Remain Aboard
By now you’ve no doubt noticed that absent from the new Entercom programming structure are the names of two prominent CBS Radio programming execs — Steve Moore, currently CBS Radio VP of Talk Radio, and Tim Roberts (right), current VP of Country Programming for CBS Radio. We are told that Moore (left) remain in place as Director of Programming and Operations for News-Talk KMOX/St. Louis, and Roberts (right) will remain VP of Programming for the Detroit cluster and PD of Country WYCD.
In a memo to the News-Talk group, EVP of Programming Chris Oliviero said of Moore, “I did want to reach out to the News-Talk group specifically to publicly and properly thank Steve Moore for his many years of stewardship of the CBS Radio format. Steve has been a close and trusted colleague and one I can always count on for guidance and support. The format has seen many challenges over the years but Steve tackled each one head on and played to win. I also know that he will continue to play a key role for years to come in the new Entercom and our spoken-word portfolio. Please join me in extending our gratitude to Steve for his outstanding service.”
Weighing in on Roberts’ years of service, Oliviero said, “I wanted to follow-up specifically with the Country PD group to thank Tim Roberts for his outstanding leadership as our Country Vice President at CBS Radio. As I said when we named Tim to this position, there is no one in my mind who understands the audience, the artists and labels of Nashville today quite like Tim. He has led the group with pride and distinction… and I know he will continue to play a key role for years to come in the new Entercom. So please raise a glass of good cheer (nothing harder than sparkling water though) to Tim this week when you all converge on Chicago for Stars and Strings! My personal appreciation goes out to Mr. Roberts.”
