Clear Channel Media and Entertainment Promotes Chris Williams To Senior Vice President Of iHeartRadio Programming
New York – November 8, 2013 – Clear Channel Media and Entertainment announced today that veteran radio programmer Chris Williams has been named Senior Vice President of iHeartRadio Programming, effective immediately. Williams will be based in New York City and will report to Darren Davis, Executive Vice President and General Manager of National Programming Platforms and work closely with Brian Lakamp, President of Digital and his team.
In this newly created position, Williams will oversee all digital music programming, curation and marketing strategies for iHeartRadio, Clear Channel's industry leading digital radio platform. iHeartRadio continues to introduce a variety of new features and programs to its users such as iHeartRadio Talk and mood-related stations “Perfect For” any activity. In addition, Clear Channel has launched partnerships with a broad spectrum of consumer brands, including Macy’s, Nickelodeon, Wendy’s and many others, designed to integrate branded and themed digital stations to the iHeartRadio platform.
iHeartRadio just announced that it has surpassed 40 million registered users and 260 million downloads. Registered users does not include the millions of users who listen to the service’s live streaming radio stations -- available without registration. iHeartRadio reached this milestone faster than any other digital service, second only to Instagram.
Williams will work closely with the National Sales, Marketing and Partnership team, the Digital team and the editorial and marketing teams to coordinate digital contesting and live streaming events like the iHeartRadio Music Festival, iHeartRadio Pool Party and iHeartRadio Album Release Parties which have included artists such as Justin Timberlake, Keith Urban, Katy Perry and One Direction. Williams will also identify new and strategic programming opportunities for iHeartRadio's digital-only stations, Custom Stations, “Perfect For” and iHeartRadio Talk features as well as assist with social marketing strategies.
Williams most recently served as Vice President of Programming for Clear Channel Cincinnati, where he oversaw all programming for the market's seven stations. He has been with Clear Channel since 2005, serving in a variety of programming roles in both the Cincinnati and Atlanta markets. In 2011 Williams expanded his role with the company, becoming the Active Rock Brand Coordinator as Clear Channel's in-house format expert.
"With almost a decade of programming experience at the local level, Chris understands the importance of aligning our on-air and digital content and marketing strategies across all platforms," said Davis. "His programming knowledge and vision will be a great asset to iHeartRadio’s continued growth and to its hundreds of millions of listeners."
“This is a rare opportunity to help shape a new media frontier at an incredibly exciting time,” said Williams. "My last eight years at Clear Channel have been a great learning experience, and I’m looking forward to taking it to the next level -- working with iHeartRadio’s innovative and focused team as we continue positioning this incredible brand and product as the leader in the industry.”