Michael Martin is exiting his role as SVP of Programming and Head of Music Initiatives at Audacy on May 1, closing out a 17‑year run across the CBS Radio, Entercom and Audacy banners. Martin joined CBS Radio in 2009 after a long stint with Clear Channel in the Bay Area, where he established himself as a major‑market programmer. In San Francisco, he led KLLC (Alice 97.3), KMVQ (99.7 NOW) and KITS, later adding KRBQ, and was a regular presence on “best PD” lists in the trade press.
In 2014, the company elevated him into the newly created SVP of Programming and Music Initiatives role, formalizing his position as a key link between corporate programming and the music community. From that perch, Martin helped steer national music strategy, working with format VPs and brand managers while overseeing label, artist and management partnerships. He has been closely associated with Audacy’s We Can Survive franchise, which has hosted a long list of A‑level talent and evolved into a tentpole tied to the company’s mental‑health messaging.
Martin also led Audacy’s music partnership initiatives and its LAUNCH artist‑development platform, which the company credits with aiding recent breakouts like Jelly Roll and Alex Warren. Earlier this year he relinquished day‑to‑day programming duties at Alice 97.3 to focus on the corporate role, ahead of this week’s news that he will step away from the company. Audacy executives have cited his creativity and competitiveness as key drivers behind the group’s programming and event strategy during his tenure.
