Hardin Upped To COO of iHeart Nat’l Prog.

• iHeartMedia has promoted Brad Hardin to Chief Operating Officer of its National Programming Group. In his newly enhanced role, Hardin (left) will continue to manage programming efforts for iHeartMedia’s 850 radio brands in 150 markets and provide a vast array of national programming assets, services and resources to local programmers across the U.S. He will also oversee iHeartMedia’s Executive Vice Presidents of Programming, the Brand Management in-house format team, Talent Development, Research and Marketing.

Hardin reports to Tom Poleman, Chief Programming Officer for iHeartMedia, who commented, “I couldn’t ask for a better partner than Brad in leading the programming for our stations. His extensive programming experience gives us tremendous insights into the nuances of station dynamics and opportunities. I’m excited to get to collaborate with him for years to come as we continue to grow iHeart’s programming.”

Hardin has held multiple programming leadership roles with iHeartMedia for over 20 years, most recently serving as Executive Vice President and General Manager for the National Programming Group. He previously served as Executive Vice President of Programming for Major Markets. Hardin’s extensive programming roles also includes Senior Vice President of Programming for Major Markets, Regional Vice President of Programming for Southeast Markets and programming positions in Tampa, Cincinnati, Dayton and Louisville.

“It’s an exciting time for iHeartMedia — audio has never been hotter,” said Hardin. “I look forward to continuing to work very closely with our programming leadership, market leading brands and influential talent.”