IHEARTMEDIA CLEVELAND NAMES “JAVA” JOEL MURPHY PROGRAM DIRECTOR FOR 96.5 KISS FM AND KEITH ABRAMS PROGRAM DIRECTOR FOR 100.7 WMMS
Cleveland, OH – December 1, 2017 – iHeartMedia Cleveland announced today that “Java” Joel Murphy has been named Program Director for 96.5 KISS FM, Cleveland’s No. 1 Hit Music Station, effective immediately. In addition, Keith Abrams, Senior Vice President of Programming for iHeartMedia’s North Ohio Region, has been named Program Director of 100.7 WMMS, also effective immediately. iHeartMedia Cleveland has a strong cross-platform presence and includes a number of iconic brands and franchises — both broadcast and digital – including Majic 105.7, 99.5 WGAR, 100.7 WMMS, 106.5 The Lake, 96.5 KISS FM, 99X and WTAM 1100 and is home to legendary personalities including Rover, Mike Trivisonno, Bill Wills, Brian & LeeAnn, Nolan, Malone and Kulik and Alan Cox. iHeartMedia Cleveland is also the flagship market for the Cleveland Indians and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
iHeartMedia has massive consumer reach and influence across multiple platforms and delivers more live programming than any other media company, and Murphy and Abrams will work closely with their stations’ on-air personalities and sales to oversee onair and digital programming, as well as local events and partnerships. “Joel knows great radio and has been an important part of KISS FM for more than 10 years,” said Keith Hotchkiss, President of iHeartMedia’s North Ohio Region. “I’m excited for him to lead KISS FM’s strategic and creative direction. We’re ready for him to take the station to the top of the Terminal Tower.” Murphy most recently served as Assistant Program Director, Music Director and PM Drive host for KISS FM. “Being handed the keys to program 96.5 KISS FM is a dream come true,” said Murphy. “I couldn’t be more excited for this opportunity after being part of the brand for over a decade!” Hotchkiss added, “Under the stewardship of Keith Abrams for the past 10 years, iHeartMedia Cleveland has seen record growth in terms of ratings for our iconic brands.
His strategic vision for this great cluster has guided the stations to incredible heights, and we’re excited for the future of MMS under Keith’s direct leadership. The great city of Cleveland is on a roll, and we’re proud to provide the soundtrack to its next 50 years.” “I couldn’t be more excited to work day-to-day with the MMS team including Rover’s Morning Glory and the Alan Cox Show,” added Abrams. WMMS stands for so much more than just call letters in this town; it represents a history and a lifestyle 50 years in the making!”
iHeartMedia is a leading media outlet in the Cleveland market with multiple platforms, including its broadcast stations; live events; data; and its digital businesses and platforms, including mobile, social and its own iHeartRadio, the leading all-in-one streaming music and live radio service – with more than 1.4 billion app downloads and 100 million registered users.
