Local Radio Networks (LRN) announces that veteran radio executives Chris Reeves, Chris Hatton and Jonathan Steele have exited Westwood One to join LRN’s 24/7 format team. Reeves joins as EVP of Programming & Operations, Hatton becomes Director of 24/7 Creative Services and Steele becomes Director of Programming Operations. LRN is known for its 12 professionally programmed formats and its “RVC” Radio Velocity Control technology.
In making the announcement, LRN CEO Steve Swick stated, “It was very strategic in our planning to bring industry-known, high-caliber radio professionals with 24/7 format expertise to our expanding team. Chris, Jonathan and Chris grasp the challenges of independent broadcasters, and understand their need for top-quality 24/7 programming with superior localization and owner/operator control features that allow them to better serve their markets. Our formats and proprietary technology are designed specifically with the local broadcaster in mind.”
“A Wall Street mentality has placed large radio broadcast corporations in a state of flux,” observed Reeves. “In my 22 years of working with broadcasters across the dial, I have witnessed the impact that has had on small and medium market owners and operators who have experienced stale technology and a tremendous loss of quality programming essential for remaining competitive,” he added.
“LRN has raised the bar with its excellently programmed 24/7 formats that sound live and local, and its ‘RVC’ automation and deployment technology that is second to none in the industry.” continued Reeves. “I am excited about joining LRN and focusing exclusively on providing small and medium market radio owners and operators with a top-quality 24/7 network product that keeps them relevant in their markets and competitive in the ever-changing media landscape.”
A 22-year network radio professional, Reeves was most recently VP of Programming Operations at Westwood One. Prior to that, he held operations positions at Dial Global and Waitt Radio Networks and began his career at Radio One Networks.
Hatton has been in network radio for nearly 20 years. He has worked as on-air talent across multiple 24/7 formats as well as in production, imaging and operations at Radio One Networks, Waitt Radio Networks and Westwood One.
Steele has 25 years of experience across broadcast radio. In addition to programming for the Jones and Waitt Radio Networks, he was Director of Operations for Westwood One’s formats for the last 6 years. Steele also operated a cluster of stations, providing him with a great chance to see the business from both sides.
