Crash Course for iHeartMedia Stations in Alaska
Photo Credit: Alaska Business
iHeartMedia promoted Joe “Crash” Albrecht to Senior Vice President of Programming for Alaska. Albrecht succeeds Mark Murphy, who is retiring after more than thirty-five years in radio, notably as a longtime morning show personality on Magic 98.9 in Anchorage.
Albrecht is a recognizable voice in Anchorage as well: his gravelly, excitable delivery is heard on 100.5 The Fox and News-Talk 650 KENI. He has been program director of those stations and Fox Sports affiliate KTZN-AM (550 The Zone). Albrecht started in radio at Ingstad Broadcasting in Anchorage, and he earned his nickname early in his career due to an accident with a company vehicle. He has been with the iHeartMedia cluster since 1999.
“I’m beyond excited to embark on this new chapter with iHeart Alaska. Having started my career here in Anchorage over thirty-five years ago, it’s a full-circle moment,” says Albrecht. “I look forward to working with the talented team here to take these longstanding, heritage brands to even greater success. I’m grateful for this opportunity and can’t wait to get started.”
In this new role, Albrecht has operational oversight of the company’s station groups in Anchorage and Fairbanks. The iHeartMedia cluster in Anchorage includes KASH, KBFX, KENI, KGOT, KTZN, and KYMG. The four stations in Fairbanks are KAKQ, KFBX, KIAK, and KKED. He reports to Jeff Hurley, the Pennsylvania-based Executive Vice President of Programming for iHeartMedia Alaska. On a day-to-day basis, he works in Anchorage alongside Kim Williams, who was promoted this summer to Area President for iHeartMedia in Alaska and Hawai’i.
“I’m thrilled to have Crash step into this pivotal role,” says Williams. “He brings tremendous local market knowledge, a proven track record, and an unmatched work ethic to the team. I’m confident Joe will lead these strong Alaskan markets to even greater heights.”
Architecture & Engineering + Interior
February 2025
In our February 2025 issue, we highlight how architecture and engineering improve every facet of our daily lives, from increasing the availability and affordability of housing to building small businesses and improving community safety. Projects like these are helmed by Alaska’s exceptional professionals, including the 2024 Anchorage Engineer of the Year Nominees. In the Interior, Red Dog Mine and the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum are both making big moves. Enjoy!