iHeartMedia is making a major programming move in Connecticut, bringing in one of the Northeast’s emerging sports radio voices to oversee a powerful cluster of Sports and Talk properties stretching from Hartford to New Haven.
Michael Johnson Jr. has been named Program Director for iHeartMedia brands “Fox Sports 97.9” WUCS Hartford, “NewsRadio 1410/100.9” WPOP Hartford, 960 WELI New Haven, and “Fox Sports 1300” WAVZ New Haven. The stations are among the company’s most prominent spoken-word brands in Connecticut.
Johnson arrives from Townsquare Media, where he most recently served as Brand Manager for Sports “104.5 The Team” WTMM-FM Albany. During his run in Albany, Johnson climbed rapidly through the organization, working as a producer, account executive, co-host, and eventually Brand Manager. He also built visibility throughout the Capital Region as play-by-play announcer for University at Albany football and men’s basketball broadcasts.
The appointment signals another example of sports radio’s next generation beginning to move into larger leadership roles as companies continue balancing traditional programming strategy with digital audience growth.
Johnson said in the company announcement that he is eager to grow the stations, strengthen listener relationships, and continue expanding digital engagement efforts.
iHeartMedia Boston/Hartford Senior Vice President of Programming Dylan Sprague also praised Johnson’s energy and leadership in the official announcement distributed by the company.
The move places Johnson in charge of a diverse spoken-word portfolio that includes Sports, News/Talk, and Fox Sports Radio affiliations across multiple Connecticut markets. WUCS and WAVZ operate as part of the Fox Sports Radio network lineup, while WPOP and WELI continue serving Hartford and New Haven listeners with News/Talk programming and local sports coverage.
Inside the industry, the hire is already drawing attention because it reflects something radio operators increasingly value in 2026: versatility.
Johnson’s background blends on-air experience, sales knowledge, digital awareness, production skills, and live sports broadcasting — exactly the type of multi-platform experience many broadcasters now prioritize as radio continues evolving beyond traditional terrestrial listening.
And in a format where personality, local connection, and digital engagement matter more than ever, iHeart appears to be betting that fresh energy can help keep its Connecticut spoken-word brands moving forward in an increasingly competitive audio environment.
On The Dial covers breaking radio industry news, including layoffs, programming changes, talent moves, and broadcast trends across the United States.