Audacy Names Chris Kinard Sports Format Vice President

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, June 21, 2024 | 11:34am CT

Chris Kinard

Audacy names Chris Kinard as its Sports Format Vice President. In this role, he'll lead brand and format strategy and execution for the company's Sports portfolio. Kinard will continue to serve as Vice President of Sports Programming and Cluster Director of Operations for Audacy in Washington DC, including WJFK-FM (106.7 The Fan), WTEM-AM (The Team 980), WIAD-FM (94.7 The Drive) and Connecting Vets.

"We are privileged at Audacy to benefit from the best local sports content thought leaders in the country and Chris has distinguished himself through his leadership of WFJK-FM and WTEM-AM in DC over many years," said Audacy Executive Vice President and Head of Programming Jeff Sottolano. "I am excited to see Chris take on this new role and partner with our local and central leadership on further strengthening our unrivaled position in sports."

"I'm thrilled for the opportunity to lead our best-in-class local sports radio stations," added Kinard. "Audacy is home to the most-listened-to brands and the most impactful local voices in sports, and we have an exciting future ahead. I'm thankful to Jeff Sottolano, Dave Richards and Danny Freisinger for this opportunity."

Kinard has been with 106.7 The Fan since 1998, starting as an intern and later becoming a producer until 2007. He has served as Brand Manager of the station since 2007 and took on the role of Operations Manager for Audacy Washington DC in 2019. In 2020, he also became the Brand Manager for Classic Hits 94.7 The Drive, The Team 980 and Connecting Vets.

Kinard succeeds Spike Eskin, who recently returned to Philadelphia to serve as afternoon show co-host on WIP-FM (SportsRadio 94WIP).