Former Radio One Cleveland Regional OM/PD Bill Black is joining iHeartMedia Detroit as Director of Urban Programming.
Black will program Urban AC “Mix 92.3” WMXD and Urban 97.9 WJLB and fills the position held by Nate Bell until his exit in March. Bell programmed Urban AC 93.1 WZAK and Urban “Z107.9” WENZ Cleveland as well as serving as APD/MD for “Hot 107.9” WHTA Atlanta during his time with Radio One. He has also worked at WZHT Montgomery, WFXE Columbus GA, and WHXT Columbia SC in his career.
iHeartMedia announced today that Bill Black has been named Director of Urban Programming for 97.9 WJLB, Detroit’s Hip-Hop & R&B and MIX 92.3, Detroit’s R&B and Throwbacks, effective immediately. iHeartMedia Detroit has a strong cross-platform presence and includes a number of iconic brands and franchises — both broadcast and digital — encompassing more than six stations comprised of music, talk and news formats.
iHeartMedia has the leading consumer reach and influence across multiple platforms and delivers more live programming than any other media company. As Director of Urban Programming, Black will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of 97.9 WJLB and MIX 92.3’s music, programming, imaging and branding. He will report to Tony Travatto, Regional Senior Vice President of Programming for iHeartMedia Detroit.
“Bill is a highly successful programmer with a proven track record and we are thrilled to have him on the team,” said Travatto. “His knowledge of Urban radio is unparalleled and I know he will contribute to each station’s success.”
Black joins the iHeartMedia Detroit market from Radio One in Cleveland, Ohio where he most recently served as the Program Director for WZAK and WENZ. He also served as the Assistant Program Director for WHXT in Columbia, South Carolina. He began his career at WZHT in Montgomery, Alabama.
“I am really thrilled to join the iHeartMedia team and be able to do what I love,” said Black. “The talented programmers that I get to collaborate with, coupled with these legendary Detroit Urban stations are unmatched and I’m excited to get to work.”
