Audacy Confirms EPV/Programming Pat Paxton Has Exited

Audacy's CEO David Field has unveiled that Pat Paxton, EVP of Programming has exited the company.  In a memo to staffers Friday, Field also announced Jeff Sottolano had been promoted to fill the slot.

Paxton served as Audacy’s Chief Programming Officer. Field described him as “a key leader in the organization for the past 21 years, spearheading programming and playing a critical role in helping us build many of the industry’s greatest brands.”

Here is the contents of Fields Memo:

Team-

Field (Top), Paxton

I am writing to share the news that Pat Paxton, Audacy’s Chief Programming Officer, is stepping down from his role and leaving Audacy.  Pat has been a key leader in the organization for the past 21 years, spearheading programming and playing a critical role in helping us build many of the industry’s greatest brands. Pat’s steady, decisive leadership and thoughtful insights have made him a valuable and trusted voice on Audacy’s leadership team. Pat has left an outstanding legacy at Audacy which will stand the test of time. We deeply appreciate his many important contributions to our success and everything he has meant to this company. Please join me in thanking Pat for all of his excellent work at Audacy and wishing him all the best for the future. 

Today, I am pleased to announce that Jeff Sottolano has been promoted to EVP, Head of Programming. Like Pat, Jeff is a veteran team member, having spent his entire career at Audacy, Entercom, CBS Radio and Infinity. Since the merger, he has played an important leadership role overseeing a number of initiatives and many key elements of our programming.  Over the past year, Jeff led our news transformation efforts and the launch of the BetQL Network. In addition, he expanded our programming data and analytics capabilities, managed our network content partnerships and contributed to our Audacy Exclusive Station launch strategy. 

In his new role, Jeff will be responsible for the content strategy and performance of Audacy’s local brands in all formats across both broadcast and digital distribution platforms. He will oversee our outstanding programming leadership team, including SVP, Programming Dave Richards, VP, News Bill Smee, VP, Sports Matt Volk and Audacy’s team of experienced Format VPs.  He will also work closely with our Music Initiatives and Live Events team led by SVP, Music Initiatives Michael Martin and SVP, Promotions and Experiences Chad Fitzsimmons, as Audacy curates amazing experiences for its listeners in-person and online. Finally, he will collaborate with digital leadership to ideate new and exclusive features and content on the Audacy app and distribution platform as the company expands its capabilities and offerings.

Please join me in congratulating Jeff on his new role at Audacy.

David

Before joining what was then Entercom, Paxton served as national program director for Nationwide Communications and Adventure Communications. He also ran stations in Houston, Orlando, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Iowa and even spent time on TV as a weatherman.

The news about Sottolano’s ascension should be seen mostly as a positive. He recently played a role in the launch of the BetQL Audio Network, and prior to moving up at CBS to a corporate role, he once programmed WIP in Philadelphia.