CBS Radio has taken another step toward independence from CBS Corp. by selecting an individual who will build and oversee the broadcaster’s first dedicated IT team, along with its infrastructure, systems and security.
In doing so, it has lured an individual who left the media industry, only to come back.
Brian McHale has taken the role of SVP/Information Technology, responsible for building and overseeing CBS Radio’s first dedicated information technology team — in addition to creating effective technological strategies and infrastructure to support the company’s 117 radio stations across 26 markets, as well as CBS Radio’s digital assets.
McHale is based at the Company’s New York City headquarters and reports to CBS Radio President Andre Fernandez.
McHale previously served as the SVP and Chief Information Officer of American Apparel, where he rebuilt the entire IT organization from the ground up.
Before that, he was the Chief Technology Officer of Journal Broadcast Group, where he was responsible for broadcast engineering for the company’s radio and television stations and developed a multi-platform technology plan that also incorporated web, mobile and OTT properties. Prior to that, McHale served as the VP/ Technology for Fisher Communications, where he introduced news automation, cloud-based sharing, and a media asset management system.
McHale’s new role also calls for him to develop security solutions to protect CBS Radio’s multi-platform products and build a structure to support the IT needs of the company’s employees at both the enterprise and local market levels.
“In today’s hyper digital world, the flow, security and enhancement of information technology is the backbone of any company,” Fernandez said. “Brian has vast experience with developing and implementing world-class IT infrastructures and will lead CBS Radio to create a superior system that supports every function of our business.”
