Brian Lakamp Named President of Clear Channel Digital
Clear Channel Radio, the leading media company in America with a greater reach than any other radio or television outlet, today announced that Brian Lakamp has been named President of Clear Channel Digital, a new position. Lakamp previously was Executive Vice President of Digital Media at Clear Channel. His appointment is effective immediately. Lakamp will report to John Hogan, Clear Channel Radio’s President and CEO.
In his new role, Lakamp will oversee the company’s digital strategy, which includes iHeartRadio, Clear Channel’s free, industry-leading digital radio product, as well as the infrastructure, tools and social media integration for its local stations’ branded Internet properties. He will also continue to work with key partners to develop cutting-edge tools and products for all of Clear Channel’s radio, media and entertainment properties.
Lakamp’s appointment comes on the heels of the launch of the New iHeartRadio, which offers more than 800 of the nation’s most popular live broadcast and digital-only radio stations, plus user-created Custom Stations that offer more songs, better music intelligence, more control, and deeper social integration. The New iHeartRadio – which has been widely acclaimed by the music industry, technology reviewers, and fans as best-in-class – was one of the few digital music products highlighted at Facebook's f8 conference on September 22, where it was applauded for its “social by design” nature. Clear Channel is already one of the most popular digital music destinations, given the 55 million listening hours a month from its 30 million unique web visitors across 850 digital sites nationwide; 41 million downloads of iHeartRadio mobile apps; and more than a 12 million fan reach through its station and radio personality Facebook pages.
Lakamp will also continue to work closely with Tom Poleman, Clear Channel’s President of National Programming Platforms, Michele Laven, Executive Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Charlie Rahilly, President of National Advertising Platforms to provide the tools and services that allow Clear Channel’s market-leading radio stations across the country to stand alone in terms of assets, reach and ability and create a deeper, more social and interactive experience for their audiences in the digital space.
“We are very proud of the New iHeartRadio, which has exceeded fans’ expectations since its launch on September 23rd at the iHeartRadio Music Festival,” said John Hogan, President and CEO, Clear Channel Radio. “Brian and the Clear Channel Digital team developed a visionary product that has the potential to reshape our industry by super-serving our three key audiences: The New iHeartRadio offers our listeners everything they want from a digital radio service in one place; delivers great value to our partners in the music industry with an exciting way for fans to discover new music; and provides our advertising and marketing partners with a powerful, national promotional platform.”
"At Clear Channel, I’ve had the opportunity to work with the best people in the business – they are smart, dedicated and focused on innovation,” said Lakamp. “The development of the New iHeartRadio was supercharged with our acquisition of Thumbplay in March, and our strong integrated Digital team will continue to develop new digital music products and experiences that support the iHeartRadio platform and Clear Channel's network of radio station websites. This is a team effort that I am honored to lead."
Clear Channel has also named Pablo Calamera Chief Technology Officer of Clear Channel Digital. Calamera formerly led the team that developed Thumplay’s state-of-the-art digital music technology as their Chief Technology Officer.
“Pablo has a strong heritage in building compelling consumer products and operating with cutting edge technologies, and he comes from the Apple culture of innovation and creativity,” said Lakamp. “He will be instrumental in ensuring that our company continues to invest in and develop innovative technology for the long term.”
Since November 2010, Clear Channel’s digital initiatives have been led by Bob Pittman, who served as Chairman of Clear Channel’s Media and Entertainment Platforms. Pittman, who was recently named CEO of CC Media Holdings, will remain closely involved in the company’s digital strategy.
About Clear Channel Radio
With 237 million monthly listeners in the U.S., Clear Channel Radio has the largest reach of any radio or television outlet in America. Clear Channel Radio serves 150 cities through 850 owned radio stations. The company’s radio stations and content can be heard on AM/FM stations, HD digital radio channels, Sirius/XM satellite, on the Internet at each station’s web properties and iHeartRadio.com, and on the iHeartRadio mobile application on iPads and smartphones, and used via navigation systems from TomTom, Garmin and others. The company’s operations include radio broadcasting, online and mobile services and products, syndication, music research services and independent media representation. Clear Channel Radio is a division of CC Media Holdings, Inc. (OTCBB: CCMO), a leading global media and entertainment company. More information on the company can be found at www.clearchannel.com and www.ccmediaholdings.com.
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