Zapoleon ‘Semi-Retires,’ Will Advise iHeart
• Legendary programmer Guy Zapoleon, a hero and inspiration to thousands of fellow radio pros over the past four decades, announced his retirement from iHeartMedia, where he most served as SVP of Research & Strategy. The good news is, Zapoleon will remain connected to the iHeart braintrust as a Senior Advisor.
In a staff memo, Tom Poleman, Chief Programming Officer & President of iHeartMedia’s National Programming Group, remarked, “After 45 years of programming brilliance, Guy Zapoleon, our Senior Vice President of Programming Research and Strategy, has decided to retire. As most of you know, Guy is a trailblazer — from programming successful Top 40 radio stations to creating the first-ever Hot AC station in the U.S.; helping to launch a long list of incredible brands, including WKTU; and co-creating Hitpredictor. It’s safe to say that Guy is one of the most influential programmers of all time, having left his mark on some of the greatest stations in the world. He’s been a fantastic mentor and friend to so many of us. And for that we’re forever thankful.
Poleman continued, “While we’re sad that Guy is leaving us, we’re very happy that he’s agreed to stay on with iHeart as a consultant and will be working on specific projects as determined by Brad [Hardin] and me. That said, we want him to enjoy as much of his retirement as he can — so please go through us on any business matters. And I know you’ll all join me in thanking Guy for his significant contributions to our company and to our team over the last several years.”
As Zapoleon told RAMP, “I’m thrilled to still working for Tom Poleman, Brad Hardin and Marc Chase for iHeartMedia and still doing Hitpredictor with Rick Bisceglia.”
Zapoleon’s storied radio career began in June 1973 at RKO Radio’s KRTH/Los Angeles — and he thanks the legendary Betty Brennaman. Pictured, (l-r): promo legend Ron Geslin, Zapoleon, KRTH PD Bob Hamiltonand recording artist Rick Springfield. That success lead to noteworthy programming positions at KRQQ/Tucson, WBZZ (B94)/Pittsburgh and KZZP/Phoenix. On July 20, 1990, Zapoleon engineered and launched the industry’s first Hot AC station — Nationwide’s KHMX (Mix 96.5)/Houston. In 1993 he hung out the shingle on Zapoleon Media Strategies.
Zapoleon added, “RKO was a the legendary group of radio stations and programmers, and iHeartMedia is RKO on steroids… just hundreds of amazing minds in every aspect of media.” Going forward, Guy can still be easily accessed at GZapoleon@aol.com.
