Top 40's Top 40: Tom Poleman -- #1

Tom Poleman

senior VP of programming, Clear Channel/New York

PD, mainstream top 40 WHTZ

New York



Tom Poleman seemingly has it all: He's the foremost top 40 programmer in the nation; his talent has elevated him to the position of senior VP of programming for Clear Channel/New York, with command over the most-listened-to top 40 in America, WHTZ (Z100); he has Jessica Simpson's and Rob Thomas' numbers stored in his cell phone?and somehow, despite such a tornado of success, he remains one of the nicest guys in the business.

Before his stint at Z100 began in 1996, Poleman held programming and on-air positions at KRBE Houston; WKCI and WAVZ New Haven, Conn.; WALK Long Island, N.Y.; and WVBR Ithaca, N.Y. Once he arrived in New York, he steered an off-course Z100 back to its mainstream top 40 roots and doubled the ratings, returning the station to iconic status.

Poleman is also active in giving back to the community, and in June 2004, he was honored by LIFEbeat for his commitment to the organization, including a public service campaign he initiated, utilizing celebrity artists to promote HIV prevention.

On a national level, he serves as Clear Channel's top 40 format brand manager and liaison, creating nationwide programs and initiatives for the company's 125 pop stations. Poleman told Billboard Radio Monitor in a recent interview, "I think the future is very bright for top 40. We need to celebrate what's great about the format. Now is the time to get really excited about top 40 and what it should be?the larger-than-life contests, exciting marketing tactics. I'm looking forward to a great report card." ?