Salem Communications Offers Structure Changes, Several Interal Promotions: Santrella Named Pres of Broadcast Unit

Salem Communications Corporation

- In October Salem announced that Network President, Greg Anderson, would be retiring at the end of the year.  In the wake of that announcement Salem has restructured its broadcast division creating new opportunities for several members of its Senior Management staff. Salem Communications Logo Effective January 1, 2015 Salem is consolidating its radio and network divisions into one.  Dave Santrella will move from President of the Radio Division to President of Broadcast Media, adding to his radio division responsibilities the oversight of the Salem Radio Network, SMR/VMR Rep Firm, and a variety of digital assets. In speaking of Santrella's expanded role, Edward Atsinger said, "Our network and radio divisions overlap in so many ways.  A management consolidation should produce greater efficiencies and productivity.  This is a case where the whole will be equal to more than the sum of its parts.  Five years ago Dave was promoted to President of the radio division.  In that capacity he has brought creative leadership  to the division absorbing new outlets and improving productivity and efficiency while recognizing that the media future is all about convergence of platforms.  Consolidating our radio and network divisions is the logical next step in that convergence strategy and Dave is perfectly positioned to lead this consolidated division."  On the Radio station side of the operation Allen Power and Linnae Young take on new roles as Senior Vice Presidents dividing up the oversight of other operational vice presidents, as well as departmental managers in ministry relations, digital and business formatted radio properties. Terry Fahy is promoted to an Operational Vice President role overseeing most of the company's stations west of Phoenix. Other Operational Vice Presidents including Brian Taylor, John Peroyea, David Ruleman and Mike Moran, all pick up additional station responsibilities. On the Network side Phil Boyce, Veteran Programmer and current VP, Director Spoken Word formats for Salem is promoted to Senior Vice President, Salem Radio Network and Spoken Word Formats.  In his new role Phil will oversee all program and revenue aspects of Salem's News and News Talk Networks including its five Network Talk hosts, the Janet Mefford Show, and SRN News.  Boyce will continue to work with other aspects of Salem's spoken word formats, most notably as a program consultant for national ministries. Boyce will continue to oversee Salem's New York operations. Atsinger said, "There is no-one in America more qualified to bring value to the Salem Radio Network than Phil Boyce.  Anyone familiar with his background and resume will immediately agree.  I am confident that under the leadership of Dave and Phil our Network assets will move to new heights building on the solid foundation made by Greg Anderson who built the network over a 23 year period." Regarding the promotion of Phil Boyce to this role Dave Santrella said, "Phil has proven to be a tremendous and versatile leader.  He's been an enormous help to our national ministries and an invaluable consultant to our talk network.  Putting Phil over our news and news talk network puts him in his sweet spot and I am thrilled to have him steering this important aspect of our broadcast business." Mike Reed and Mike Miller are promoted to Senior Vice Presidents as well, with Reed taking on additional responsibilities in the Dallas office's network operations and Miller expanding his role in the Network's Music space. Santrella commented on the overall restructure, "So many times companies seem to think the smartest people in the business are at other companies.  It's inspiring to see that Salem recognizes the talent we already have on board as evidenced through these promotions."   Santrella, Boyce, Reed and Miller will assume these new responsibilities at the start of the New Year. Follow us on Twitter @SalemCommIR.