Dick Whitworth, a 50-year veteran of Christian-focused faith-based media, is retiring. This opened up an opportunity for Pillar Media, operator of “STAR”-branded Christian Adult Contemporary radio stations in three U.S. markets, to select a new COO.
It went with a former iHeartMedia Region President.
Joining Pillar Media as COO, effective July 16, is Tim Hager.
Hager will be based in the Denver suburb of Aurora, Colo., and will oversee KPOF-AM 910, KFCO-FM 107.1 and KSRC-FM 101.5 in-house while also directing WAKW “STAR 93.3” in Cincinnati and Class B WAWZ-FM “STAR 99.1,” which enjoys a city-grade signal covering the New Jersey markets of Middlesex-Somerset-Union, Trenton and Morristown.
“I am extremely overwhelmed with gratitude for the unexpected door God has opened,” Hager said. “[I am] beyond excited to share that I’ve taken on the role of Chief Operating Officer at Pillar Media/Ministries, entrusted with overseeing the radio portfolio in Denver, Cincinnati, and New York/New Jersey. The journey here has been quite a testament to His enduring grace and mercy, and truly humbling.”
Pillar Media Executive Director Art Garza commented, “We are excited to welcome Tim Hager as chief operating officer of Pillar Media. His proven leadership in media, executive experience and heart for ministry make him an ideal fit to help advance our mission. We are also deeply grateful for Dick Whitworth’s years of faithful service, steady leadership and lasting impact. We thank God for his continued guidance and support during this transition.”
Hager most recently served as CEO of American Financing. But, he previously led the Rocky Mountain Region for iHeart, from November 2014 through January 2020. Before that, he was SVP of Sales.
Earlier in his career, Hager served as GSM of KMOX-AM 1120 in St. Louis (from June 2012-August 2013). And from December 2005 until moving to the Gateway City served in a similar role for Clear Channel Communications’ KOA-AM 850 in Denver.
Hager has also been in sales for the St. Louis Cardinals Baseball Network and began his career in radio at Sinclair Broadcast Group at the end of 1999, at the former KIHT-FM 96.3 in St. Louis.
— With reporting by Cameron Coats, in New York
