iHeartMedia has made big leadership changes within its Los Angeles cluster.
On the programming side Robin Bertolucci and Don Martin are departing.
In an internal memo from Division President Paul Corvino, he shared, “It is with immense respect and gratitude that I share that after two decades of hard work, dedication, creativity and leadership at iHeartMedia Los Angeles, Robin Bertolucci and Don Martin will be leaving their positions at KFI and KLAC. Both Don and Robin wanted me to share these messages with you.”
Bertolucci has programmed News/Talk 640 KFI since 2002 and Conservative Talk “1150 The Patriot” KEIB since 2005. She also programmed Sports “Xtra 690/1150” XETRA/KXTA in her first year in Los Angeles until the arrival of Martin to take over that station in 2003. Prior to Los Angeles, Bertolucci began her career at KGO San Francisco and KOA Denver.
She commented, “Thank you for an incredible 24 years. You have made me so proud, and I am honored to have been able to work with each and every one of you. When I came here my son was in pre-school, he’s now 27 years old. This station is exceptional and unique because of you and the KFI way. It’s not news and it’s not talk…it’s a true outlier filled with talented people both on air and behind the scenes. There are too many people and accolades to list. Just know, I am proud of our award-winning news team, our talented talk lineup and our producers, and technical folks who make it all happen on air, online and everywhere our listeners are. This AM radio station has been a dominant force, and I am deeply grateful for my time here.” Bertolucci can be reached at .
While Martin is exiting as head of “AM 570 Sports” KLAC after leading iHeart’s Los Angeles Sports brands since 2003, he will continue in his role as SVP/Sports Programming for Premiere Networks.
He shared in the memo, “Folks we had one hell of a great ride! I have accumulated enough memories to last a lifetime thanks to you! We’ve seen a lot, we’ve done a lot, and we’ve won more than our share!! We “rocked” this market and you personally made it all worthwhile! God bless you! I want to send each one of you a heartfelt hug and huge THANK YOU for changing my life, all for the better. It would take too long to mention everyone by name, just know if you are reading this, I am talking to you! What a way to go out, champions on and off the field! When KLAC is #1 in billing again for the month of October, raise a glass and celebrate US! The GREATEST FAMILY ever assembled! You can stay in touch with me at [email protected] and you know the phone number! Until we meet again, and yes, we will meet again, too much fire in my belly.”
iHeartMedia EVP/News Chris Berry will serve as interim PD for the stations.
On the sales side, iHeart has announced the promotions of Jeff Thomas to EVP/Sales and Business Development in addition to his roles leading sales for the cluster’s local News Talk Endorsement Network and its iHeartCX in-store radio network, Adam Wolfson to SVP/Sales, Tracy Barrios to SVP/Operations, and Julie Martzke to SVP/National and Event Sales.
Corvino said, “We’ve seamlessly linked the top News-Talk hosts in the country into one easy-to-buy network, offering network scale in local markets. In addition, iHeart CX gives retailers best-in-class music programming along with ad campaigns that will make their in-store media budgets even more efficient. Jeff has an impressive track record in the LA market, and I can’t think of a better person to lead this effort and create new revenue opportunities.” He added, “Tracy is one of the best problem solvers I have ever worked with and understands our brands, day-to-day market operations and the sales process inside and out.”
Thomas followed, “I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead two additional growth areas for iHeart while continuing my leadership role within the market. With Adam and our veteran sales leadership team at the helm, I expect to provide even more innovation and high-level service for our advertisers. Adam is a true people leader and has the forward-thinking mindset to grow our business and build success for marketers. Julie has an unprecedented track record for leading teams to success and has a passion for experiential partnerships, and we’re excited to see her thrive in this new role.”
