Premiere Networks has tabbed 102.7 KIIS-FM Los Angeles night host JoJo Wright has the new host of the weekly CHR version iHeartRadio Countdown.
JoJo, who will be accompanied by a music artist each week, succeeds iHeartMedia Pacific Northwest SVP/Programming Tim ‘Romeo’ Herbster has host. Romeo has hosted the CHR version since its launch in 2014. Mario Lopez will continue to host the Hot AC edition of the countdown.
Premiere Networks announced today that 102.7 KIIS-FM Los Angeles personality JoJo has joined the network as host of the iHeartRadio Countdown. Effective February 24, JoJo will debut as host of the two-hour CHR weekend program, which currently airs on more than 100 affiliates worldwide, including markets such as New York, Los Angles, Chicago, Dallas, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Philadelphia, Boston, Beijing, Shanghai and Tokyo. The Los Angeles-based radio and TV veteran will continue to host the nationally-syndicated “JoJo On The Radio,” which originates from KIIS-FM and airs on 60 stations nationwide.
As host of the iHeartRadio Countdown, JoJo will be joined by a major music artist each week as they count down the top 20 CHR songs. The program also spotlights the most-social song of the week, co-host bonus track, iHeartRadio’s “Perfect For” song, “iHeartRadio Exclusive” and “On The Verge” tracks, as well as premieres and sneak-peeks from that week’s guest host. The iHeartRadio Countdown is available in two formats – the CHR version hosted by JoJo, and a Hot AC version hosted by Mario Lopez.
“I’m thrilled to host the iHeartRadio Countdown and I can’t wait to create incredible moments with some amazing artists,” said JoJo. “I’m very excited for this opportunity with Premiere to extend my national brand.”
“We couldn’t be happier to welcome JoJo to the Premiere Networks family,” stated Jennifer Leimgruber, Premiere Networks EVP Entertainment Programming. “JoJo’s dynamic personality and his ability to connect with and engage celebrities and listeners alike is a perfect fit for the iHeartRadio Countdown. We look forward to many years of continued growth and success together.”
A Houston native, JoJo got his start in radio at a young age. By the time he graduated from high school, he had already landed three radio jobs. After a few stops around the country, including San Francisco’s KYLD, Dallas’ KHYI and Charlotte’s WCKZ, JoJo joined iHeartMedia’s legendary KIIS-FM in Los Angeles in 1997 as an overnight DJ and was quickly promoted to evenings. With his patented quirky style, “JoJo On The Radio” has become an LA icon, featured in multiple TV shows and movies, dominating evening radio in Southern California for years. Today, his nightly program is syndicated nationwide. JoJo has been recognized for his work by the Radio Music Awards and Billboard Magazine. Fans can follow JoJo on Twitter @JoJoWright, Facebook and Instagram.