Michael Johnson Jr. Takes Over iHeartMedia Connecticut Sports/Talk Brands.

iHeartMedia Hartford and New Haven has appointed Michael Johnson Jr. as Program Director for its sports and talk stations, effective immediately. In the new role, Johnson will oversee programming and brand strategy for “Fox Sports 97.9” WUCS, home of the UConn Sports Radio Network, along with “NewsRadio 1410” WPOP in Hartford and talk WELI (960) and “Fox Sports 1300” WAVZ in New Haven.

The move gives iHeartMedia an experienced sports radio programmer with a background in both on-air and digital content development as the company continues focusing on audience growth across multiple platforms. Johnson will report to Dylan Sprague, Senior Vice President of Programming for iHeartMedia Boston/Hartford.

Sprague said Johnson’s leadership style and passion for sports radio made him a strong fit for the company’s Connecticut-based sports and spoken-word brands.

“Michael’s energy, passion and leadership make him a strong fit to lead our Sports and Talk portfolio in Hartford and New Haven,” Sprague said in the announcement. “These are powerful brands and we’re excited to build on their success under Michael’s leadership.”

Johnson joins iHeartMedia from Townsquare Media Albany, where he most recently served as Brand Manager for “104.5 ESPN — The Team” WTMM. During his tenure, he also handled play-by-play duties for University at Albany football and men’s basketball broadcasts, helping deepen the station’s ties to local sports audiences.

The appointment continues a steady career climb for Johnson within sports radio programming and management. In Hartford, he will oversee one of Connecticut’s most prominent sports properties through WUCS’ affiliation with University of Connecticut athletics, while also helping guide news and talk operations in both Hartford and New Haven.

Johnson said he sees opportunities to further strengthen listener engagement while expanding the stations’ digital footprint.

“I am thrilled to begin this next chapter at iHeart,” Johnson said. “Sports fans are passionate and engaged. I am eager to grow all of the stations, deepen the connections with listeners and continue expanding our digital presence.”