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.”
What happens when a city with fewer than 300 residents becomes a major freight and tourism hub, despite being accessible only by boat, plane, or a one-lane highway/railroad tunnel managed on a strict schedule?
If you’re in the City of Whittier, you get busy. The city has two separate transportation planning efforts underway, including a safety action plan under the federal Safe Streets and Roads for All initiative, which focuses on improving safety for pedestrians, cyclists, motorists, and emergency responders. The second is Whittier Moves, the city’s transportation master plan, which serves as the long-term roadmap for growth.