LOS ANGELES — A 26-year veteran of iHeartMedia who has most recently served as SVP of Programming for FOX Sports Radio and in the concurrent role of SVP of KLAC-AM 570 has been elevated to EVP/Programming for what is now being called “iHeartMedia Sports.”
Earning the promotion is Don Martin.
According to iHeartMedia, its sports audio network is among the largest in the U.S., with products across broadcast, streaming, digital, podcast and experiential. The portfolio includes the iHeartSports Network, which provides customized local, regional and national sports content and updates across more than 490 stations; the Fox Sports Network, home to veteran hosts Dan Patrick and Colin Cowherd; and 78 dedicated sports radio stations.
Additionally, it features the iHeartPodcast Network, with more than 40 national and 100 local sports podcasts plus exclusive podcast agreements with the NFL and NBA.
In his new role, Martin will lead Sports radio operations and oversee recruiting for on-air talent, program directors and board operators for the iHeartMedia Markets Group and Premiere Networks. In addition, Martin will identify opportunities to expand iHeartMedia Sports partnerships – including leagues, teams, podcasting and broadcast. He will continue to oversee the programming, promotions, operations and sales for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Kings, Los Angeles Chargers, UCLA and others.
Martin will also continue his operational, programming and sales responsibilities for KLAC, the AM sports station serving Southern California that competes against KSPN-AM 710, which Good Karma Brands is agreeing to purchase from The Walt Disney Company.
“The iHeartMedia Sports Network would not be what it is today without Don’s years of experience and innovation,” said Kevin LeGrett, President of iHeartMedia Sports and iHeartMedia Los Angeles. “He is the perfect choice to lead our ever-expanding network, bringing us the most exciting new partnerships and team members.”
Martin added, “In life, you are only as good as the family around you. I have had the privilege of working with three of the most incredible families in the business – from KOA in Denver to AM 570 and FOX Sports Radio in LA, and now the family just gets bigger! Thank you, Greg Ashlock, Kevin LeGrett, Julie Talbott, and Tom Poleman for your belief and trust in me. I am a blessed man!”
Before trekking up Interstate 5, straight in a line, Martin oversaw the 2013 merger of XTRA Sports (XETRA-AM 690 in San Diego and KXTA-AM 1150 in Los Angeles) and was responsible for moving XTRA Sports to KLAC. Martin has also served as Program Director of KOA-AM 850 in Denver.
