John Ivey Promoted at iHeartMedia, Will Hand Over KIIS FM Program Director Duties

Programming veteran John Ivey is moving up at iHeartMedia. Effective immediately, Ivey will take on the role of president of CHR (Contemporary Hits Radio) content development and strategy.  

In his new role, Ivey will focus on the recruitment, training, deployment and career growth of talent across all of iHeart’s CHR stations. In addition, Ivey will work closely with executive vp of talent development Dennis Clark to coach and develop talent.  

Ivey takes on the new role after being named president of CHR programming strategy in 2017. With the new promotion, he’ll be stepping down as program director at powerhouse Los Angeles station KIIS FM, a job he’s held for 20 years, with a successor to be announced tomorrow. Ivey will continue reporting to Tom Poleman, chief programming officer and president of the national programming group for iHeartMedia. 

“For over 20 years, John has been a key part of our successful Los Angeles market and our CHR stations across the country,” said Poleman in a release. “Now he will step into another integral role within iHeart – a role which represents that iHeart is a talent-first company dedicated to building the skills, capacity and drive of our nationally-recognized on-air personalities. John’s extensive experience in programming and his credibility within the industry are perfect for leading and elevating this initiative.” 

Throughout Ivey’s tenure as KIIS FM program director, the station has maintained large audiences with hit shows including the morning show On Air with Ryan Seacrest. Ivey has also been instrumental in securing top-tier talent for iHeartRadio’s KIIS FM Jingle Ball and Wango Tango, two of the largest live radio events of the year. This year’s Jingle Ball will include performances from Ed Sheeran, Dua Lipa, Doja Cat, Lil Nas X and Kane Brown.  

“My mother took me to a radio station for the first time on my sixth birthday. The PD of that station, Mrs. Potter was my first mentor. Next was my first PD, Steve Hagen and later the legendary Steve Rivers. Now it’s my turn to focus on talent first at iHeart,” said Ivey in a release. “Thanks to Bob Pittman for always supporting me and allowing me to pitch a dream and turn it into a job. I love supporting talent, watching them grow and achieve their goals. Let’s GO!” 

Ivey is a 40-plus year radio veteran and the longest-running program director for KIIS FM. He began his radio career as an on-air personality and music director in his hometown of Owensboro, Kentucky and later led programming efforts for stations in New York, Tennessee and Boston. He joined iHeartMedia Los Angeles in 2001 and throughout his tenure has served in a variety of roles, including vp of programming for the market, program director of KYSR FM and KHHT FM, senior vp of programming and CHR brand manager for iHeartMedia.