Jon Zellner (photo: Katherine Tyler for iHeartRadio)
iHeartMedia announced today that Jon Zellner has been named President of Programming Operations for its National Programming Group, effective immediately. Zellner will report to Tom Poleman, Chief Programming Officer for iHeartMedia.
In his new role, Zellner will continue to manage the division’s operations, ensuring that iHeartMedia’s 850 local radio station brands in 150 markets are able to best utilize the company’s national resources. In addition to managing iHeartMedia Custom programming, daily connection to the local markets, on-air partner integration and event broadcast operations, Zellner will also now partner with other divisions within the company to expand programming technology and provide key support to iHeartMedia’s national team of programmers.
“Jon’s leadership in the growth of our custom programming and providing the delivery of our at scale national resources to our markets for their use at the local level has been invaluable to our company,” said Poleman. “We are excited that he’ll be taking on an even larger role in our company-wide programming initiatives.”
“iHeartMedia continues to lead the way in creativity, innovation and exclusive content,” said Zellner. “I’m excited about where the company is headed and continue to be inspired by the incredibly talented people I have the privilege of working with. I value being part of this great team and look forward to seeing all we can accomplish together in the future.”
Over the past three decades, Zellner has worked with over 100 markets across the country specializing in ratings and revenue growth through brand development, strategic and financial planning and the coaching and mentoring of talent. He will celebrate 10 years with iHeartMedia in July and most recently served as EVP of Programming Operations. Prior to joining iHeartMedia as SVP of Programming in 2009, Zellner spent five years as SVP of Programming for SiriusXM, where he oversaw 100+ music and entertainment channels and helped grow the subscriber base from one million to over 20 million. His background also includes nine years as VP of CHR and Hot AC programming for CBS Radio in Boston and Kansas City and serving as a PD and an on-air talent in several other markets.
