Bonneville Phoenix is making moves in order to strengthen its programming department. The company has lured Brian Long to Phoenix, and is promoting Martha Maurer from within to position Arizona Sports and KTAR-FM for future success.
Long joins the group from iHeart San Diego where he was previously programming San Diego Sports 760 and Newsradio 600 KOGO. His official title will be Director of Programming Operations. In his new role, Long will oversee Arizona Sports 98.7, ESPN 620 and KTAR News. He will also serve as program director of Arizona Sports 98.7 and ESPN 620.
“We are thrilled to welcome Brian back to the Bonneville family,” Ryan Hatch, Bonneville Phoenix’s SVP/Market Manager, said of Long. “He is a proven leader who will bring strategic thinking and an innovative spirit that will grow our market leading news and sports brands.”
This is a reunion for Long and Bonneville. He was with the company’s Seattle station 710 ESPN from 2010 until 2014. Prior to that, he spent years working in Los Angeles at 710 ESPN.
“Getting the chance to return to Bonneville after such a great run in San Diego and being part of the evolution for such iconic brands as Arizona Sports and KTAR News is humbling,” Long said in a press release. “I look forward to getting to work alongside some of the best talent in the country.”
Erin Maloney will remain the assistant program director of Arizona Sports 98.7.
For KTAR-FM, Martha Maurer will lead the charge as the station’s program director. Maurer has been with the station since 2012 holding various positions including Editor, Breaking News Editor, Assistant News Director, and most recently, Assistant Program Director and News Director.
“It is an honor to continue supporting the mission of Bonneville Phoenix and the heritage brand that is KTAR News,” said Maurer. “I’m thrilled for this new opportunity to work with the best team in broadcasting and grow our news and talk content across multiple distribution channels.”
“There is no one more passionate about KTAR News and its talented content teams than Martha,” Hatch said of Maurer. “We have watched her grow and achieve great success for 11 years and couldn’t be more excited for her to lead this legendary brand into the future.”
