iHeartMedia has transferred “101.7 The Bull” WBWL Lynn/Boston MA PD/evening host Lance Houston to Chicago to run “Big 95.5” WEBG.
In the process current PD Steve Stewart, Morning hosts Mason & Remy and APD/Midday host Emily Bermann depart WEBG. Morning co-host Alabama and afternoon host Brooke Taylor remain in place. With the syndicated Bobby Bones Show airing on delay in nights at WEBG and Houston involved in the national roll out of the show, we expect it will be moved to mornings.
Houston, who also programmed “95.3 The Bull” WTBU York Center ME from Boston, will also host middays in Chicago as he takes the reins from Steve Stewart. Prior to launching WBWL in 2014, Houston served as Program Director of 93.1 WPOC Baltimore and APD/MD of “94.9 The Bull” WUBL Atlanta.
iHeartMedia Chicago announced today that Lance Houston has been named Program Director and Midday Host for BIG 95.5, Chicago’s New Country, effective immediately. The iHeartMedia Chicago Region has a strong cross-platform presence and includes a number of iconic brands and franchises — both broadcast and digital — encompassing six stations comprised of CHR, AC, Hip Hop and R&B, New Country and Contemporary Inspirational music formats.
iHeartMedia has the leading consumer reach and influence across multiple platforms and delivers more live programming than any other media company. As Program Director, Houston will be responsible for programming oversight for BIG 95.5 that delivers a strong return on investment for clients reaching consumers through iHeartMedia’s unmatched assets, including on-air, online, social media, personalities and live events. Houston can also be heard live in studio, weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Houston will report to Tommy Austin, Senior Vice President of Programming for iHeartMedia’s Chicago Region.
“Lance is one of the most talented country programmers in our industry, said Matt Scarano, President of iHeartMedia Markets Group’s Chicago Region. “His passion for the product, his creative thought process and his ability to execute his vision flawlessly, set him apart from the competition. I look forward to working with him again to win the Country battle in Chicago.”
Houston, a Tuscaloosa, Alabama native, brings 25-years of radio experience to BIG 95.5. Prior to joining BIG 95.5, he served as Program Director for iHeartMedia’s WBWL/Boston and WTBU/Portsmouth where he was instrumental integrating both the iHeartCountry and Bobby Bones brands. As Country Format Captain for the Boston region, Houston also worked closely with the programming team at WRNX/Springfield. As Music Director and Assistant Program Director, he helped launch WUBL/Atlanta in 2007. Houston also has served as Program Director for iHeartMedia’s WPOC/Baltimore.
“I am thrilled to be joining the iHeartMedia Chicago team and continue to build on the great foundation already in place at Big 95.5,” said Houston. “I’m also really excited to be reunited with Region President Matt Scarano from our days in Atlanta, and working with EVPP Gene Romano and SVPP Tommy Austin to build a “BIG,” successful brand that can win the Chicago country battle!”
