Hubbard veteran Jerry Schnacke to head sales for iHeartMedia

Jerry Schnacke

Jerry Schnacke

Jerry Schnacke, an 18-year veteran of Chicago broadcasting, has been named vice president of sales for iHeartMedia Chicago’s seven radio stations and digital platforms.

He succeeds Jason Courtemanche, who held the position since December 2012.

"I am thrilled to have Jerry as part of our iHeartMedia Chicago team,” Matt Scarano, president of iHeartMedia Chicago, said in a statement Tuesday. “Jerry brings a wealth of expertise, high-level management experience and a tremendous track record of success to our cluster. I am looking forward to working closely with Jerry in his new role."

The appointment comes one day after iHeartMedia switched WNUA FM 95.5 from Spanish-language regional Mexican to a country music format. The company’s other stations here include Top 40 WKSC FM 103.5, hot adult-contemporary WLIT FM 93.9, urban contemporary WGCI FM 107.5, urban adult-contemporary WVAZ FM 102.7, gospel WGRB AM 1390 and Spanish sports/talk ESPN Deportes Radio at 97.5 FM.

Schnacke, 60, most recently was vice president and market manager of Hubbard Radio Chicago, where he oversaw hot adult-contemporary WTMX FM 101.9, classic hits WDRV FM 97.1 and adult contemporary WILV FM 100.3.

He was forced out last April, with Hubbard Radio executives saying they wanted “a fresh set of eyes” to oversee their Chicago stations. John Gallagher, former president and general manager of news/talk WLS AM 890, succeeded Schnacke in August.

Starting in 1997 as local sales manager of the Mix (then under Bonneville International ownership), Schnacke moved up to general sales manager the same year. In 2001, he was named vice president and general manager of the Drive. He succeeded Drew Horowitz as market manager in 2007 and continued in the role after Hubbard Radio acquired the stations in 2011.

A graduate of Kansas State University, Schnacke served as general manager of several radio stations in the Midwest before joining Bonneville International.

“I am excited to be joining these iconic brands and honored to be on the IHeart Media Chicago team with Matt Scarano,” Schnacke said in a statement. “I am looking forward to working closely with the staff and our clients.”