Thea Mitchem Extended At iHeartMedia
• iHeartMedia announced a long-term contract extension with company veteran Thea Mitchem, who will continue her role in its National Programming Group as Executive Vice President of Programming for its Northeast Division. She will continue to report to Brad Hardin, EVP/GM of iHeartMedia’s National Programming Group and Scott Hopeck, President of iHeartMedia New York.
Under the new agreement, Mitchem will continue to partner with iHeartMedia Markets Group Division President Tom McConnell to collaborate with its regions located in the East, providing national programming assets, services and resources. She will continue to oversee programming of 60-plus iHeartMedia stations in over a dozen markets, including New York City, Boston and Philadelphia. She will remain PD of Urban WWPR (Power 105.1)/New York and a key member of iHeartMedia’s Urban Brand Management Team, helping to book artists and produce events including Power 105.1’s Powerhouse.
“Thea is unquestionably one of the most influential women in the radio industry,” said Tom Poleman, Chief Programming Officer for iHeartMedia. “We’re thrilled that she will continue to oversee programming efforts for our Northeast markets. Under her leadership, we have seen unparalleled ratings success in several markets including Washington, D.C., Philadelphia and New York City, where Power 105.1 has posted the best ratings in the station’s over 15-year history.”
Mitchem began her successful programming career at WPGC/Washington and she went on to serve as Director of Operations for iHeartMedia Philadelphia and President of iHeartMedia’s D.C. and Baltimore markets. She was elevated to Executive Vice President of Programming for iHeartMedia’s Northeast Division in January 2016.
“I love working with multiple formats and working for iHeartMedia for the past 15 years has allowed me to work with the best talent and programmers in New York and the entire industry,” said Mitchem. “I look forward to continuing to help grow and nurture the next generation of talent and executives, and open doors for more women and minorities in programing and executive positions.”
