Loftus Returns To Times-Shamrock As CEO
• Times-Shamrock Communications announced a major change in its leadership — after nearly a decade of service, CEO Jim Lewandowski will be stepping down, effective December 31. Succeeding him will be a familiar name — Jim Loftus, currently Chief Operating Officer of Seven Mountains Media. The move marks a radio homecoming for Loftus, who previously served as COO of Times-Shamrock from 1997-2005.
Prior to joining Seven Mountains in Oct. 2018, Loftus, a native of Northeastern Pennsylvania, was Pres./CEO of WBEB/Philadelphia. Before that he spent a decade with CBS Radio Philadelphia, rising to GM of Classic Hits WOGL and Director of Sales for the cluster. In addition to his nine years as COO of Times-Shamrock, Loftus also held management positions with Lin Broadcasting and Susquehanna.
Loftus remarked, “Times-Shamrock has been in the radio business for over 100 years. Earlier in my career I had the privilege of serving as their COO for almost a decade. The opportunity to return as their CEO was almost too good to be true! Joining forces with their team and helping these great radio stations serve their communities as they do every day is a great honor. It’s a homecoming of sorts! My first job interview in a radio station was at WEZX/Scranton in 1977 during my senior year in high school. I didn’t get the job — but I returned in 1997 as the GM, and soon became the COO of the company. I’m honored to be returning as their CEO, and thank the Lynett-Haggerty families for inviting me back!”
Commenting on his impending departure from Seven Mountains, Loftus called it “the toughest decision of my career. Kristin Cantrell is a fantastic leader, broadcaster, and friend. It has been a great pleasure to work alongside her as their first COO. We had 5 markets and 35 signals when I joined 7MM in 2018 — today we have 14 markets and 150 + signals. Kristin and her leadership team have built an exhilarating media company and their future is bright. Kristin and her father, Kerby Confer, have treated me like a family member. It’s been both a privilege and a wild ride!”
Among Lewandowski’s numerous accomplishments, Times-Shamrock stated: “He spearheaded the strategic analysis of our business units and sale of our newspaper division, a move that not only streamlined our focus toward the broadcast and billboard industries but also strengthened our financial position. This decision has been instrumental in shaping the current and future trajectory of Times-Shamrock Communications.”
“Jim Loftus’ appointment comes at a time when both the broadcast and outdoor advertising industries are experiencing growth and transformation,” the release stated. “We are confident that Jim’s leadership will enable Times-Shamrock Communications to seize new opportunities, foster innovation, and continue to deliver exceptional value to our customers and stakeholders. We are poised for a future that builds on the strong foundations laid by Jim Lewandowski, guided by the fresh perspectives and dynamic leadership of Jim Loftus.”
• Times-Shamrock Communications is a 128-year-old family-owned company that owns radio stations and provides digital advertising solutions in Northeastern Pennsylvania, Baltimore and Milwaukee, as well as outdoor advertising in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
