A longtime iHeartMedia programming veteran is now a free agent. Ryan Maddox has departed the company following recent workforce reductions.
What We Know: Maddox spent over two decades building his career inside iHeart. He began as a teenager at CHR 93.3 WFLZ Tampa. He later served as APD/MD and afternoon host at “Power 96.1″ WWPW Atlanta from 2014 to 2020. Most recently, he worked as a National Programming and Music & Playlist Curator, tracking stations including K-Pop “Pop 101.9” KUCD Honolulu.
What He Said: “Radio has been my life’s passion,” Maddox told RadioInsight. “I first stepped into a studio and caught the broadcasting bug when I was just 16 years old.” He added that over two decades, he had the privilege of driving programming, elevating talent, and connecting with audiences on a massive scale. Now, he says he is “incredibly energized” and actively seeking leadership or creative roles across radio, streaming, playlisting strategy, and label operations.
What Remains Unclear: His next destination has not yet been announced. No replacement has been named for his national curation role. Additionally, it remains unclear how iHeartMedia plans to absorb his playlist and programming responsibilities. The reduction leaves a notable gap in the company’s national music strategy.
What It Means: Maddox represents the kind of well-rounded programming talent that remains rare in today’s thinning radio landscape. His blend of on-air experience, music strategy, and national curation work makes him an attractive candidate. Meanwhile, iHeart continues shedding experienced voices — a trend that raises real questions about the future of localized and curated programming at scale.
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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.
