iHeartMedia Charlotte announced today that Shelly Easton has been named Program Director for 96.9 The Kat , Charlotte’s #1 for New Country, effective October 18. iHeartMedia Charlotte has a strong cross-platform presence and includes a number of iconic brands and franchises — both broadcast and digital — encompassing more than six stations comprised of music, talk and news formats.
iHeartMedia has the leading consumer reach and influence across multiple platforms and delivers more live programming than any other media company. As Program Director,
Easton will be responsible for managing all aspects of day-to-day programming operations and delivering unique content for 96.9 The Kat. She will report to A.J., Senior Vice President of Programming for iHeartMedia Charlotte.
“We are extremely pleased to have Shelly join our remarkable programming family,”
said A.J., Senior Vice President of Programming for iHeartMedia Charlotte. “Her vision, passion and commitment to the country music community makes her the perfect fit to
lead 96.9 The Kat. Shelly’s wealth of format knowledge and proven track record sets her apart in driving ongoing advancement of this successful brand.”
Easton brings over 25 years of programming expertise to her new role. Her programming career began at WBRT-FM in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania before she moved to Allentown, Pennsylvania and became Operations Manager, Program Director and Country Format Captain of WCTO-FM and WLEV-FM. Easton then programmed WXTU-FM for almost 10 years in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and oversaw programming for WBEB-FM, WOGL-FM and WTDY-FM, ultimately becoming Vice President of Music Programming. In 2017, Easton was named one of Radio Ink’s Top Program Directors.
“I am so thrilled to be back in the country format. To be able to rejoin the company where I launched my programming career, is a dream come true,” said Easton. “The country battle in Charlotte is long-standing and 96.9 The Kat is primed for continued success. A huge thanks to the entire iHeartMedia senior leadership team for their support and this incredible opportunity.”
iHeartMedia is the leading media outlet in the Charlotte market with multiple platforms, including its broadcast stations; live events; data; and its digital businesses and platforms, including mobile, social and its own iHeartRadio, iHeartMedia’s free all-in-one digital music, podcasting and live streaming radio service – with 3 billion app downloads and more than 150 million registered users.
