iHeartMedia Promotes Two Radio Veterans

Earl Jones

iHeartMedia has elevated Chicago market manager Earl Jones to senior vice president of urban operations, where he will develop national sales and programming strategies for the chain’s urban-formatted radio stations.

Jones will be based in Chicago and report to Jeff Howard, president of national sales for iHeartMedia,  the company said in a press release late Monday.

Formerly known as Clear Channel Communications, Texas-based iHeartMedia is the largest operator of radio stations in the U.S., with seven stations in the Chicago market, including WVAZ 102.7 FM, WGCI-107.5 FM and WKSC 103.5 FM Kiss FM.

Matt Scarano, who currently serves as market president of iHeartMedia in Atlanta, has been named to succeed Jones as market manager for Chicago, where he previously served as director of sales.

Matt Scarano

"I've known Earl for many years and this opportunity is perfect for him," iHeartMedia  EVP/Operations Tom McConnell said.  "This new role allows him to take advantage of his solid relationships and strong understanding of the Urban marketplace and use them to benefit our entire company."

Previously Atlanta Market Pres., Scarano will oversee all elements of Chicao's's seven-station cluster including operations, sales and programming. "Matt has done an incredible job for us in Atlanta driving both ratings and revenue," said McConnell. "He is a proven leader with a strong strategic mind and is the perfect choice to lead our incredible brands in Chicago."