Audacy SVP of Programming and Head of Music Initiatives Michael Martin will depart the company on May 1.
Martin has spent the past seventeen years at Audacy and predecessor CBS Radio joining the company in 2009 to program Hot AC “Alice 97.3” KLLC and CHR “99.7 Now” KMVQ San Francisco. During his tenure would also oversee Rhythmic AC “Q102.1” KRBQ and Variety Hits “105.3 Dave-FM” KITS San Francisco and CHR “97.1 Amp Radio” KAMP Los Angeles. Before joining CBS/Audacy, Martin spent his career at Clear Channel rising from Music Director of 102.7 KIIS-FM Los Angeles to Operations Manager, while also programming KYSR Los Angeles, and KIOI, KMEL, and KYLD San Francisco. He gave up the programming duties at KLLC in January.
In a memo shared by the company, Martin wrote, “I’ve made the decision to step down from my role at Audacy on May 1st and begin the next phase of my career. Throughout my career, I’ve had the chance to build and evolve programming platforms, develop meaningful artist partnerships, and create large scale events that connect brands with audiences in real, measurable ways. I’m proud of the work, the innovation, and the results.
At the core, I’ve always focused on building brands, developing talent, and creating moments that actually cut through, and that’s exactly what I plan to keep doing moving forward. I’m excited for what’s ahead. As always, thank you for your amazing partnership, support and mutual love for all things music and artistry. Music is how I breathe. Thank you for supplying the oxygen. ”
Audacy Chief Programming Officer Jeff Sottolano wrote:
I am writing to share that after 17 distinguished years with CBS Radio, Entercom and Audacy, Michael Martin is stepping down from his position as SVP of Programming and Head of Music Initiatives.
Michael joined then CBS Radio in 2009 after a successful career at Clear Channel Communications, leading our Bay Area music brands including KLLC, KMVQ and KITS. In 2014, Michael took on the newly created position of SVP of Programming and Music Initiatives, leading the company’s partnerships with the music industry. In this role, he has liaised with artists, labels and managers and collaborated with the company’s Format Vice Presidents and Brand Managers to innovate new on-air and off-air experiences for consumers and advertisers.
Those innovations have included the development of Audacy’s annual We Can Survive concert, which has featured more of music’s biggest stars than I can name, including Taylor Swift, The Weeknd, Ariana Grande, Pitbull, Rihanna, Sam Smith, Tate McRae, and Coldplay. He has also overseen Audacy’s music partnership programs, including the new artist development program LAUNCH, which has played a crucial role in the recent breakouts of artists like Alex Warren and Jelly Roll.
Michael will be with us through May 1st while we work with our programming and events leadership to enable a smooth transition for our teams and partners.
Michael’s creativity and competitiveness have been a tremendous asset to Audacy. We will sorely miss him as we wish him well in the next chapter of his career.
