Clear Channel Media and Entertainment announced today that Clay Hunnicutt has been named Executive Vice President and General Manager of National Programming Platforms, effective immediately. He will be based out of New York City and report to Tom Poleman, President of National Programming Platforms.
In his new position, Hunnicutt will work with Poleman to oversee all aspects of the National Programming Platforms team, which develops and manages Clear Channel’s national programming – all on-air and digital content across the company’s radio stations and websites. He will work closely with Clear Channel’s Senior and Executive Vice Presidents of Programming to emphasize the connection between Clear Channel’s 850 local radio stations and the National Programming Platforms assets, such as live events like the iHeartRadio Music Festival, iHeartRadio Ultimate Pool Party, iHeartRadio Country Festival and iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Tour, while also leveraging groups like the Brand Management in-house format team. He will manage a team of programmers focused on sales integration with station programming , as well as the Programming Operations Center and the Premium Choice network to ensure all content is executed and seamlessly integrated for Clear Channel’s national programming and advertising initiatives. Hunnicutt will also continue as the company-wide Brand Manager for Clear Channel’s Country stations.
Hunnicutt most recently served as Executive Vice President of Programming for Clear Channel’s largest markets. He began his 23-year career at US-101 FM in Chattanooga and moved through the ranks – previously Program Director of the nine-time CMA Radio Station of the Year, WUSY-FM; held the position of Director of Programming for Clear Channel Nashville and Atlanta; Vice President of Programming for the Southeast markets; and Senior Vice President of Programming for the Eastern Region.
“Clay has an unmatched connection with our local markets and knows how to link our national capabilities to our local assets,” said Poleman. “He has a great understanding of the day-to-day programming of our local radio stations and what it takes to drive ratings and revenue. His expertise will ensure our national platforms are of benefit to all of our radio stations nationwide, which gives us a huge competitive advantage.”
The company also announced the realignment and promotion of key executive programming leadership. Thea Mitchem, Vice President of Programming for New York City, has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Programming for the New York City, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C./Baltimore markets; Andrew Jeffries, Vice President of Programming in Los Angeles, has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Programming for the Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego markets; Brad Hardin, Senior Vice President of Programming for the West Major markets, has been named Executive Vice President of Programming and adds Houston and Dallas to his responsibilities. In addition, Gene Romano, Executive Vice President of Programming, has added Chicago to the markets he oversees.
