Orlando Radio: Programming Vet Chris Kampmeier Retires At iHM

iHeartMedia announced Friday that noted programming veteran Chris Kampmeier will retire on December 31, 2016. The company has named Rick Everett as Kampmeier’s replacement, effective January 1, 2017.

Chris Kampmeier

Kampmeier has over 45 years of experience in the radio industry and most recently served as the Regional VP of Programming for iHeartMedia’s North Florida Region. He also worked as the SVP of Programming for iHeartMedia-Orlando for 20 years, as well as PD for WYNY/New York City and VP of Programming for Transtar/Unistar in Los Angeles. Kampmeier’s background also includes working as a PD at WDAE-AM/Tampa, WPLR/New Haven, KESZ/Phoenix and KMGR/Salt Lake City.

“iHeartMedia’s North Florida station brands are recognized as industry leaders in ratings, digital, revenue, profit and innovation,” said Kampmeier. “Going out on my own terms and on top is a good thing! My partnership with our amazing executive team has been deeply satisfying and I am grateful for their support over the years. My biggest honor has been to serve alongside the programmers and air talent, and the wondrous creativity they bring every day. I am proud to have been a radio man for the last 47 years and am excited for the long term future of our industry.”

“We’re going to miss Chris deeply,” said Linda Byrd, President for iHeartMedia’s North Florida Region. “He’s been my work husband for over 17 years. By most accounts, we have the top five stations in both ratings and revenue in the Orlando market, which is an accomplishment that wouldn’t have happened without Chris.”

As the new Region VP of Programming, Everett will work with radio station personalities and program directors to oversee on-air content and music programming for all 41 radio station brands across eight markets in the North Florida Region.

Rick Everett

Everett has worked with iHeartMedia-Orlando for 19 years, most recently serving as PD for 101.1 WJRR and 96.9 The Game, and Director of Marketing and Promotions for the Orlando market. His experience also includes various programming and promotions positions in Jacksonville.

“I’m grateful to the amazing team at iHeartMedia Orlando and I’m excited we will continue working together,” said Everett. “I want to thank Linda Byrd and Gene Romano for this incredible opportunity, and I’m especially grateful to Chris for his mentorship over the last 19 years, which helped make this opportunity possible. I look forward to working with the North Florida Region to continue its track record of success, and bring our radio station brands to new heights!”

“With change comes opportunity,” continued Byrd. “Rick has been in training for this job a long time. He is a natural, having worked side by side with me and the Orlando team for over 19 years. He is trusted and respected by everyone in our building. I’m lucky to have him on the bench and can’t wait to see how he embraces this new position.”