Zellner Named Pres. Prog/Digital, iHeartRadio
• iHeartMedia announced that Jon Zellner has been named President of Programming Operations and Digital Music for iHeartRadio. In his new role, Zellner will manage the programming, content and strategy for iHeartRadio’s digital channels and playlists while continuing to oversee iHeartMedia’s programming operations. In addition to running programming and strategy for the iHeartMedia Custom and Format Center stations, Zellner will continue to lead iHeart’s Commercial Production Center, the National Imaging Center, the Audio Distribution Center, on-air partner and client integration and the Technical and Broadcast Operations teams.
Zellner will report to Tom Poleman, iHeartMedia Chief Programming Officer, who said, “Jon’s leadership in providing the delivery of our national resources to our markets for their use at the local level has been invaluable to our company. We are excited that he’ll be taking on an even larger role in our company-wide programming initiatives and expand and grow our digital channels and playlists on the iHeartRadio app.”
Conal Byrne, CEO of iHeart Digital Group, commented, “For years, Jon has made innumerable contributions to our company’s success, and has demonstrated exceptional leadership in both day-to-day operations and forward-thinking innovation when we needed it most. I’m thrilled to see him step into a new role and bring his skills and expertise to help us continue to build and grow during an exciting time in the industry. He has an incredible range of experience and adding more facets of the business to his purview puts us in an even better position to expand our reach and scale.”
Zellner is a 35-year industry veteran, the last 13 with iHeartMedia. Prior to joining iHeart as SVP of Programming in 2009, Zellner spent five years as EVP of Programming for Sirius XM. His background also includes nine years as VP of CHR and Hot AC programming for CBS Radio in Boston and Kansas City and he served as an OM, PD and on-air talent in many other markets across America.
Zellner remarked, “iHeartMedia continues to lead the way in the creation and distribution of compelling audio content. I’m excited about where the company is headed and continue to be inspired by the talented people I have the privilege of working with every day. The synergistic opportunities between iHeart’s national programming for broadcast and our digital programming and playlists on the iHeartRadio app are extraordinary. I value being part of this great team and look forward to seeing all we can accomplish together in the future.”
