Ivey Upped To iHeart Pres./CHR Content

• iHeartMedia announced that John Ivey has been promoted to President of CHR (Contemporary Hit Radio) Content Development and Strategy, and will relinquish his 20-year position as PD of KIIS-FM/Los Angeles. More on that in a moment.

In his newly elevated role, Ivey will focus on the recruitment, training, deployment and career growth of talent across all of iHeartMedia’s Top 40 stations, working closely with Dennis Clark, EVP of Talent Development to coach and develop talent. He will continue to report to Tom Poleman, Chief Programming Officer and President of the National Programming Group for iHeartMedia, who commented, “For over 20 years, John has been a key part of our successful Los Angeles market and our CHR stations across the country. Now he will step into another integral role within iHeart — a role which represents that iHeart is a talent-first company dedicated to building the skills, capacity and drive of our nationally-recognized on-air personalities. John’s extensive experience in programming and his credibility within the industry are perfect for leading and elevating this initiative.”

Ivey has served as iHeart’s President of CHR Programming Strategy since 2017 and has held the title of Program Director of KIIS-FM/Los Angeles for the past 20 years — the longest-serving PD in the station’s history. Ivey will now pass the torch to his successor, who will be announced tomorrow. Ivey will remain a strong presence and supporter for the KIIS-FM team to ensure a smooth transition.

Ivey began his four-decade radio career in his hometown of Owensboro, KY and went on to program stations in Rochester, NY, Nashville and Boston. Ivey was named PD of KIIS-FM in 2001 and throughout his tenure has served as VP of Programming for the market, PD of KYSR and the former KHHT, SVP of Programming and CHR Brand Manager for iHeartMedia, and has co-produced marque events and television specials including iHeartRadio’s KIIS-FM Jingle Ball and Wango Tango.

“My mother took me to a radio station for the first time on my 6th birthday,” Ivey recalls. “The PD of that station, Mrs. Potter was my first mentor. Next was my first PD, Steve Hagen, and later, the legendary Steve Rivers. Now it’s my turn to focus on TALENT FIRST at iHeart. Thanks to Bob Pittman for always supporting me and allowing me to pitch a dream and turn it into a job. I love supporting talent, watching them grow and achieve their goals. Let’s GO!”