iHeartMedia’s Black Information Network is making two promotions within its leadership team. Chris Thompson is now the Senior Vice President of News and Programming, while Angela Ingram has been named the Senior Vice President of Public Engagement.
In his new role, Thompson, who previously served as Vice President of Network Operations, will be responsible for overseeing BIN news, content, and operations. Thompson has more than 20 years of experience in radio, including roles in Broadcast Operations, Programming, Sales, Affiliate Relations, and Talent Management. Prior to joining BIN, he worked with Reach Media and Buckley Radio.
Ingram, meanwhile, will focus on forging meaningful partnerships in both the public and private sectors. She will also continue her work with iHeartMedia Chicago, where she’s been since 1995.
Tony Coles, President of BIN: Black Information Network, expressed enthusiasm about the new appointments. He noted Thompson’s significant involvement with the network’s newsroom from the start and the expected growth under his leadership. Coles also highlighted Ingram’s upcoming role in strengthening the network’s content, coverage, and impact through strategic partnerships.
Black Information Network broadcasts on AM/FM radio in 34 markets, including Atlanta, New York, and Chicago, as well as online streams.
Black Information Network President Tony Coles said, “Chris and Angela have been integral to the growth and success of the Black Information Network, and these new and expanded roles reflect their leadership. Chris has worked closely with our newsroom since day one and unifying our news and programming operations under his direction will enable us to grow and strengthen our network, podcast, and digital content at a faster pace. I am equally excited about Angela’s new role, which will enable the Black Information Network to work even closer with leaders in government, business, and non-profits to improve our content, coverage, and impact.”
Because of the banality of most of its news coverage I cannot tolerate BIN. I have sharply decreased radio listening to stations who subscribe to BIN. I hear BIN primarily when visiting Chicago. And, trust me, Chicago radio listeners are not the sharpest people walking this earth. But, I digress.
As a third generation radio listener I’ve passed my love of radio to my daughters. I take pride in, show respect for and apply critical thinking to all radio/podcast content competing for my time, attention and patron dollars.
Because black people respond emotionally when a race based thesis is attached to a news story it is perfunctory for my community to lose objective thought and not apply sound critical thinking skills to the same. BIN subtlety takes advantage of this ignorance with its news coverage. Instead of providing coverage uplifting, edifying, educating, informing and encouraging critical thinking to its targets BIN is disingenuous as proven by its content.
It is sagacious that Mr. Thompson and Ms. Ingram will improve BIN. However, I will check in from time to time.