The veteran radio industry executive who has served as EVP/GM for iHeartMedia‘s National Programming Group has been promoted to COO.
The new title and expanded duties have been handed to Brad Hardin, who will report to Chief Programming Officer Tom Poleman.
In his new role, Hardin will continue to manage programming efforts for iHeartMedia’s 850 radio brands in 150 markets “and provide a vast array of national programming assets, services and resources to local programmers across the U.S.”
He will also manage iHeartMedia’s team of Programming EVPs.
Format management, talent development, research and marketing all falls on Hardin for the company that just saw its Chapter 11 restructuring plan win the approval of U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Marvin Isgur.
“I couldn’t ask for a better partner than Brad in leading the programming for our stations,” Poleman said. “His extensive programming experience gives us tremendous insights into the nuances of station dynamics and opportunities. I’m excited to get to collaborate with him for years to come as we continue to grow iHeart’s programming.”
Hardin has held programming leadership roles with iHeartMedia for more than 20 years, with leadership roles in such markets as Tampa-St. Petersburg, Cincinnati, Dayton and Louisville.
“It’s an exciting time for iHeartMedia – audio has never been hotter,” said Hardin. “I look forward to continuing to work very closely with our programming leadership, market leading brands and influential talent.”
