NYC Radio: Market Vet Ron DeCastro To Lead WQHT, WBLS

Ron DeCastro

MediaCo New York Radio, which includes iconic stations WQHT HOT97 and WBLS 107.5 FM, has named Ron deCastro market president.

A more than 30-year veteran of the radio industry, deCastro most recently served as president and chief revenue officer at Townsquare Media’s New Jersey WKXW 101.5 and has spent his career leading radio operations in New York, Philadelphia and New Jersey.

“Ron is the perfect choice to lead Hot97 and WBLS,” said Patrick Walsh, president and chief operating officer of MediaCo Holding. “Our investment plans will enable these iconic brands to impact our audiences and clients in even more meaningful ways. Ron’s deep experience in building winning digital and broadcast teams in and around New York will be invaluable as we deepen the relationship that our brands and personalities have with our audiences in the tristate area and around the world.”

“I’ve spent a significant amount of my career in New York competing against WBLS and Hot97 and I know just how important these brands are in the lives of our community,” deCastro said.

“I’m thrilled to work on the same team as the talented group at MediaCo New York and can’t wait to get started leading the effort to build on the success of these multichannel, global brands. Hot97, WBLS, Summer Jam and Circle of Sisters are iconic in New York and personalities like Ebro, Steve Harvey, Funk Flex, Nessa, and Shaila have the kind of relationships with our audience that you just can’t replicate with any other digital or broadcast media.”

Prior to his tenure leading Townsquare’s largest market, deCastro led sales teams at CBS Radio in New York, Clear Channel in Philadelphia and New York including Power 105.1 and Barnstable Broadcasting on Long Island.

He begins his new role on May 4.