iHeartMedia has announced the promotion of Jerry Houston from APD/MD to Program Director of their “Pride Radio” LGBTQ+ HD/streaming channel.

Houston’s promotion follows Don Parker’s rise from PD to General Manager of the brand in June. He will retain his other duties including afternoon host for Pride Radio, and weekend host at CHR “Hot 99.5” WIHT but will step down as Director of Digital Content & Creative for iHeartMedia’s Washington DC cluster.

iHeartMedia announced today that Jerry Houston will become Program Director for iHeartRadio’s PRIDE Radio, the Pulse of LGBTQ America, effective October 1.

iHeartRadio’s PRIDE Radio brings the best of music and programming to the LGBTQ+ community and its allies around the country. As Program Director, Houston will manage all content and programming for PRIDE Radio on the iHeartRadio app and its 28 HD2 stations in leading markets across the country.

“Jerry has been an integral part of PRIDE Radio for many years as our Assistant Program Director and I’m thrilled to elevate him to Program Director of this important brand,” said Don Parker, Regional Senior Vice President/Programming for iHeartMedia Northern California Region and General Manager of PRIDE Radio. “With his dedicated focus on the PRIDE brand, we have the opportunity to grow this well-established network further, expanding our LBGTQ+ offerings with podcasting, community events and meaningful partnerships.”

Houston has worked for iHeartMedia Washington D.C. for more than 20 years previously serving as assistant program director for PRIDE Radio as well as a variety of other roles including director of digital content and creative and on-air personality for HOT 99.5. He is also the executive producer and host of the Capital Pride Concert in Washington D.C., a role maintained since 2012.

“Working on PRIDE Radio has been one of the biggest highlights of my career and I am excited to expand my role and support the voice of the LGBTQ+ community nationwide with the massive reach of iHeartRadio and our HD Radio affiliates,” said Houston. “A special thanks to iHeartMedia for this incredible dream opportunity and undeniable support as I launch into this new chapter.”