Merlin Media Makes Two Major Appointments

John Gehron, Chairman Advisory Board; Liz Aiello, VP NYC

Merlin Media announced today the addition of renowned radio executive John Gehron as Chairman, Advisory Board, and Liz Aiello, former SVP of Broadcast at Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, as Vice President, New York.

Merlin Media was formed Tuesday to acquire and operate radio stations through a partnership between Chicago-based private equity firm GTCR and Emmis Communications, a diversified media company focused on radio broadcasting. With GTCR’s resources and Emmis Communications’ expertise in radio operations, the company begins with a base of three stations – two in Chicago and one in New York – and seeks to develop a network of radio stations across the country.

“I was lucky enough to recruit John to run the Chicago cluster during my time at Clear Channel and I am thrilled to be working with him again now,” said Randy Michaels, Chairman and CEO of Merlin Media. “At Merlin Media, we aren’t building a broadcast company, but a multimedia, multiplatform company. Liz has deep experience in radio, television, satellite, cable and interactive, and her intelligence and extensive contacts in New York will be the perfect addition to our new company. We are pleased to welcome them both, and the unique strengths they bring with them, to the Merlin Media team.”

“I am looking forward to contributing to Merlin Media’s success in the Chicago area. With two of our three founding stations here, Chicago will be central to building our brand and leveraging our industry expertise for the success of this new venture,” said Gehron.

“After nearly four decades in radio, I’ve been privileged to watch the medium grow and thrive. Now, with Merlin Media, I’m excited to be part of another important twist in the evolution of our industry.”

John Gehron, Chairman, Advisory Board, will be responsible for building a strategic and robust relationship with key business partners in Chicago.

Gehron has 40 years of experience as a pioneer and leader in the radio industry.

Recently, Gehron formed Broadcast Wisdom, a radio consulting company, and became COO of AccuRadio, one of the leading Internet radio companies.

Prior to that, he was Regional Vice President and Market Manager for Clear Channel, in addition to holding several other leadership positions at media and radio broadcasting firms in the Chicago area.

Liz Aiello, Vice President, New York, joins Merlin Media after serving five years as Senior Vice President of Broadcast at Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia.

Aiello, an avid cook,  was recruited by the company to revise the Martha Stewart Living Radio station brand on Sirius Satellite Radio. She rebuilt the 24/7 channel with new talent, all-new programming and customized content for advertisers for a new level of branded entertainment.

Previously, Aiello worked for legendary broadcaster, Howard Stern, and at WABC-TV as Managing Editor and Executive Producer.

TomZTake:  Randy Michaels wants to assure GTCR that someone will be keeping their eyes on revenue. Both appointment here are excellant assurances.