Audacy has a new Brand Manager in Phoenix. Ben “Complex” Romero now leads Live 101.5.
What We Know: Audacy elevated Complex to Brand Manager of Live 101.5 (KALV-FM) in Phoenix on June 16. He’ll oversee the station’s content strategy, talent, operations, and branding. Meanwhile, Complex will continue serving as Brand Manager for 106.5 The End (KUDL-FM) and 102.5 KSFM (KSFM-FM) in Sacramento. As a result, he now manages stations across two major markets.
What They Said: Molly Cruz, Top 40 Format Vice President, shared her excitement about the move. “Complex knows Phoenix inside and out, both behind the scenes and live on the air,” she said. “That unique perspective, combined with his passion for the listener experience, is exactly what will propel Live to new levels.” Likewise, Complex echoed that sentiment, calling Phoenix “a full-circle moment” in his career.
What Remains Unclear: The release doesn’t detail who previously held the Brand Manager role at Live 101.5. Similarly, it’s unclear how Complex will balance leadership across three stations in two states. Furthermore, Audacy hasn’t outlined whether additional staffing changes will accompany this move. For now, those details remain unannounced.
What It Means: This promotion reflects Audacy’s confidence in proven, market-tested talent. Complex’s deep Phoenix roots, paired with his Sacramento success, make him a logical fit. Consequently, Live 101.5 gains a leader who understands both programming and audience connection. Ultimately, this move signals Audacy’s continued investment in experienced, multi-market programmers.
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David Hill serves as a Music Radio Editor, Columnist and Features writer for Barrett Media. A radio lifer with more than 30 years behind the mic, in the control room, and in the program director’s chair, David’s career spans influential stops at brands such as WIYY 98 Rock, WBAL-AM, and 99X. He has worked across multiple formats and ownership groups, including iHeartMedia and Cumulus Media, developing talent, breaking music, and navigating every major industry shift from diary to PPM and terrestrial dominance to streaming disruption. When he’s not writing or analyzing the industry, Dave runs The Tune Farm, a marketing firm built to help artists and brands grow audience the same way great radio always has—by creating connection, not just impressions. He can be reached at David@BarrettMedia.com.
