iHEART UPS HARDIN, ZELLNER, MAYNARD TO EVP NATIONAL PROGRAMMING POSTS

iHeartMedia has upped Brad Hardin, Jon Zellner and Maynard to EVP National Programming posts, reporting to national programming overlord Tom Poleman. All three will be based in iHeart's NYC offices.

As EVP/GM of the National Programming Platforms group, Hardin will support local stations' programming efforts, overseeing other SVP and EVPs and working closely with the brand management in-house format team. A 15-year veteran at the company, he's most recently overseen Active Rock/Alternative; stay tuned for a HITS Q&A about those very formats with Poleman and Hardin.

Zellner, who steps up to the post of EVP of Programming Operations, has 25 years of media experience under his belt; he joined iHeart in 2009 and most recently served as EVP Programming. In his new position he'll manage the division's operations and ensure its stations best utilize the company's considerable resources.

Maynard becomes EVP of Programming Strategy. In this role he'll work with programmers to review and refine on-air products and oversee iHeart's on-air creative directors (led by VP of Imaging Kelly Doherty).

All three newly promoted execs will work with Poleman to develop content and drive ratings at iHeart's 850+ stations, produce live and TV events (including the iHeartRadio Music Festival and iHeartRadio Music Awards), work with artists and develop national advertising and programming integrations.

"iHeartMedia's strength is built on our great programmers working together to develop great content and experiences for our listeners utilizing our unmatched scale," said Poleman. "Brad, Jon, and Maynard each have a remarkable amount of hands-on experience programming some of the best local radio stations in the world, making them uniquely qualified to lead our company-wide programming initiatives."