Dial Global announced today the creation of two new positions, completing the management team of its programming division.
Industry veteran Phil Barry was named Vice President/General Manager of Formats for Dial Global. Barry will oversee operations of the company’s 24-hour formats and consulting services, working in conjunction with Executive Vice President of Programming Beau Phillips and Vice President Kurt Luchs, and will report directly to Dial Global President of Programming, Kirk Stirland. Barry will manage company operations in Denver, Los Angeles and Omaha.
“Phil has distinguished himself as a real team player since our acquisition of Jones Radio, and we’re sure he’ll lend a strong guiding hand as we continue to improve and grow our formats and services,” commented Kirk Stirland.
Phil Barry, a native of Detroit, is a 28-year veteran of the network/syndication business, having previously been Group VP/General Manager for Jones Radio Networks’ Denver operation since 2000, and prior to that, the company’s VP Programming for nine years. In addition, Barry served as VP Programming for Drake-Chenault Radio Consultants and as a Programmer/Consultant at TM Programming in Dallas. Barry’s radio background includes PD and on-air stints in Phoenix and Detroit, and attended Delta College near Saginaw, MI.
“I have the best job in the world, and I’m thrilled to have been given this opportunity by Dial Global,” commented Barry. “The Company’s passion for the business is unparalleled, and the breadth of products and services under the Triton umbrella are best in breed.”
Susan Stephens has been named Vice President/General Manager of Shows for Dial Global, and will oversee the company’s growing line-up of owned and syndicated radio programs like Lia, The Big Time, Backtrax USA, Walt ‘Baby’ Love’s Gospel Traxx and Rick Jackson’s Country Hall of Fame, as well as the recently launched Nudge At Night and Greg Kihn Show. She will also manage operations at Dial Global’s Seattle facility, and be directly involved in Dial Global’s expansion in Nashville. Stephens will report directly to Kirk Stirland.
“Susan’s charge will be to continue to make our shows the best in their respective formats, and create enhanced sponsorship opportunities for both our own and our affiliates’ advertisers,” commented Stirland. New websites and affiliate technologies featuring tools from Dial Global’s sister company Triton Digital are planned, as are new program elements.
Stephens brings a long career at both local and national radio to her new role. She held programming positions at radio stations in Tennessee, Indiana and Kentucky, and was Vice President of Programming for Bluegrass Broadcasting for over ten years. Her radio syndication career includes sales, programming and general management roles at Broadcast Programming and Jones Radio, where she managed shows from Delilah, Lia, Alan Kabel, Marie Osmond and others. Stephens hold a BA from Indiana University in Telecommunications and Theatre/Drama.
“I’m so energized to be a part of the Dial Global Team,” commented Stephens. “Dial Global has great passion, enthusiasm and incredible talent that will awaken radio programming.”
Barry and Stephens join Senior Vice President Chris Corcoran/General Manager of Prep & Comedy Chris Corcoran as business segment managers at Dial Global. “Chris, Phil and Susan, along with Beau Phillips, bring years of real radio experience to our team,” concluded Stirland. “We’ll all be focused on helping operators put real magic on the radio.”
