iHeartMedia announced on Monday that Tom Poleman has signed a long-term agreement to continue leading the radio giant's programming and music strategy. As part of the move, Poleman gets to add Chief Programming Officer to his name plate, while continuing his role as president of iHeart's all-important national programming group.
Poleman and his team's to-do list includes co-producing such flagship iHeartMedia events as the iHeartRadio Music Festival, the iHeartRadio Music Awards, iHeart's Jingle Ball Tour and the iHeartCountry Festival, among others. He'll also continue to oversee programming and music strategy, talent development and artist relations for the org's 850-plus radio stations. iHeartMedia's music discovery and emerging artist initiatives will also remain under his directive.
The music industry veteran will continue to report to iHeartMedia chairman and CEO Bob Pittman, who said in a statement that "No one understands the intricate relationship between programming, on-air talent, artist relationships and live music events like" Poleman. "Tom’s unique vision has turned our National Programing Group into what it is today, an innovative nationwide network of the most talented people working as a team to bring constant innovation to our company and our industry."
iHeartMedia named Poleman president of the programming group in August 2011. Before that he served as senior VP of programming, overseeing radio properties in New York, Philadelphia, Miami, Boston and Providence.
Poleman, along with Pittman and John Sykes, president of entertainment enterprises, landed at No. 19 on this year's Billboard Power 100 List. "The broadcast audience is up, the digital ratings are up, and we've developed new revenue streams -- like our event business" and an entry into on-demand subscription streaming, he said.
