Westwood One

Cumulus Media Taps Collin Jones To Lead Westwood One

~ jen

Cumulus Media announced that it has appointed Collin Jones as President of Westwood One, effective January 1, 2024, responsible for Westwood One, the largest audio network in America, and the top-rated Cumulus Podcast Network. Jones adds this position to his current role as EVP of Corporate Strategy & Development for Cumulus Media, reporting to Mary Berner, President and CEO of Cumulus Media. He succeeds Suzanne Grimes, who decided to embark on the next chapter of her career after eight years.

Jones joined Cumulus Media in 2011 and is responsible for leading the Company’s strategy, corporate development (including major partnerships and M&A), and investor relations efforts. Jones has led the Company through several strategic transactions and growth initiatives including the acquisition of Westwood One in 2013. Additionally, he oversees IncentRev, the Company’s e-commerce and daily deal platform.

Jones is the National Association of Broadcasters Radio Board Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Radio Music License Committee. Before joining Cumulus, he held positions at Macquarie Capital and Argentum Group.

Mary Burner said, “With his deep understanding of both Cumulus Media and Westwood One, Collin is uniquely qualified for this role and is well-prepared to harness the full power of our platform to help Westwood One grow. Collins has consistently demonstrated his safe business acumen, effective management style, and collaborative spirit, and I have full confidence that he has the skills and the vision to build upon Suzanne’s considerable accomplishments.”

Berner added, “I would like to thank Suzanne for her invaluable contributions and her pivotal role in our success. Under her leadership, we launched the top-rated Cumulus Podcast Network, built the multi-platform Westwood One News/Talk franchise, and established the industry-leading Audio Active Group. Throughout her time with Cumulus, she has been a remarkable leader, colleague, and mentor to many, and we are certain she will accomplish great things whenever he chooses to share her talents next.”

“I am excited for the opportunity to expand upon Suzanne’s successes,” Jones added. “Since acquiring Westwood One in 2013, I have been struck by the breadth of its capabilities, the strength of its content and service offerings, and its enormous influence on the broadening audio landscape. I look forward to working day-to-day with Westwood One’s creative, passionate, and talented team to fuel growth and unlock even more value for Cumulus Media and our shareholders.”

About Cumulus Media

Cumulus Media is an audio-first media company delivering premium content to over a quarter billion people every month – wherever and whenever they want it. Cumulus Media engages listeners with high-quality local programming through 403 owned-and-operated radio stations across 85 markets; delivers nationally-syndicated sports, news, talk, an entertainment programming from iconic brands including the NFL, the NCAA, the Masters, CNN, the AP, the Academy of County Music Awards, and many other world-class partners across more than 9,400 affiliated stations through Westwood One, the largest audio network in America; and inspires listeners through the Cumulus Podcast Network, its rapidly growing network of original podcasts that are smart, entertaining and thought-provoking.

Westwood One Partners with Rolling Stone for Podcasts

~ jen

Cumulus Media’s Westwood One announced a partnership with Rolling Stone to market and distribute their podcasts Useful Idiots with Matt Taibbi and Katie Halper and Rolling Stone Music Now. The agreement includes the back catalogue in addition to future episodes.

Useful Idiots with Matt Taibbi and Katie Halper is an informative and irreverent politics podcast with journalist Matt Taibbi and podcaster/writer Katie Halper. Episodes feature on-the-road coverage of the 2020 campaign and exclusive interviews, with humor, commentary, and dissection of the politics news of the week. Matt and Katie examine important stories that have slipped through the cracks and what the media got wrong – and laugh about whatever is left to laugh about. Episodes drop each Friday.

In Rolling Stone Music Now, the writers and editors of Rolling Stone take listeners inside the biggest stories in music, featuring interviews with their favorite artists, what’s playing in the office, experts insight on the week’s biggest music news, and much more. Episodes drop each Wednesday.

Westwood One and Imperative Entertainment Launch TRUE

~ jen

CUMULUS MEDIA’s Westwood One and Imperative Entertainment premiered TRUE a weekly podcast that features often weird, but always true stories of strange events and unforgettable moments. Each episode explores unusual, obscure, sometimes funny, sometimes creepy stories. Stories that you won’t believe that they’re real… but they are, because they’re TRUE.

The podcast series debuted on September 9, 2020, on all major podcast platforms. Westwood One partners with Imperative Entertainment to distribute, market, and monetize all their existing and forthcoming podcasts.

New episodes include topics such as:

  • ‘Balloon Boy’ – In October 2009, the Heene family claimed their six-year-old son was trapped in a homemade helium-filled gas balloon shaped to resemble a flying saucer.
  • ‘Pigeon King’ – The story of how Arlan Galbraith used pigeons to scam millions of dollars from small town farmers, mostly Mennonites, Amish, and Hutterites, across Canada and the U.S.
  • ‘Real-life Superheroes’ – Batman. Superman. Wonder Woman. Spider Man. The Avengers. The Fantastic Four. When we think of superheroes, these are usually our go-to figures from popular culture. In recent years, a unique cohort of concerned citizens from around the world has drawn inspiration from the big screen and comics alike.

Erik Krosby is the creator, host and producer of the series and Jason Hoch, President of Imperative Entertainment’s Podcast Division, is an Executive Producer.

TRUE marks the seventh series from Imperative Entertainment’s podcast division. Podcast series include In the Red Clay, The Syndicate, American Skyjacker: The Final Flight of Martin McNally, The Baron of Botox, Boomtown, and Gangster House.