Leslie Fram Exits CMT
• RAMP has confirmed that Leslie Fram exited as Senior Vice President of Music Strategy at CMT after a successful 13-year run, yet another casualty of the recent widespread layoffs at parent company Paramount Global.
In her lengthy CMT exit letter, obtained by RAMP, Fram wrote, in part, “Thirteen years ago this month, I had the extraordinary opportunity to become SVP/Music & Talent at CMT and work with my longtime friend and mentor Brian Philips (President of CMT at the time). The transition from rock radio to country music television turned out to be a pivotal moment in my career, allowing me and the brand’s resident experts to build CMT’s next great chapter. We went on to create an even bigger music brand, continuing to amplify the format’s superstars and legends while giving voice to the next generation.”
Among her proudest achievements at CMT, Fram listed the “Next Women of Country” program, which spawned the “Next Women of Country Tour.” She also highlighted CMT’s “Equal Play” initiative — 50/50, male/female parity across all CMT video hours, which ultimately grew to become the “CMT Equal Play Award,” in recognition of artists who advocate for diverse and underrepresented voices in the industry, and the partnership with mtheory to create CMT “Equal Access” to better support artists from underrepresented communities.
Fram made the momentous leap from Alt/Rock radio to Country music television in 2011, as she segued from the PD/morning co-host spot at the late Emmis Triple A WRXP/New York to SVP of Music & Talent at CMT — a move that reunited her with longtime friend, then-CMT President Brian Philips, her former colleague at the original WNNX (99X)/Atlanta (and current Cumulus Chief Content Officer). Fram began her radio career at the late, legendary Top 40 WABB/Mobile AL, before moving to Atlanta in 1990 as APD/morning co-host at WAPW (Power 99), rolling through Power 99’s 1992 transformation into WNNX (99X), and elevated to PD in 1997. In February 2023 Fram rejoined the reborn 99X as morning co-host, reunited with her former longtime Morning X co-host Steve Barnes — a gig she will retain.
In closing, Fram said, “And finally, to this magical Nashville community and its brilliant artists, you have given and shared so much. I will always be grateful for your friendship and support, and I know that you will continue to collaborate with this undeniable brand for years to come…. Cheering on those who remain and those who have left — only great things ahead. With the ever-changing media landscape let’s remember to take care of each other! Thank you from the bottom of my heart.” Going forward, Fram can be contacted at LeslieFram@me.com.
