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Joel Clary Departs Salem Media for Senior Radio Role at KSE - Radio Ink

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Sunday, October 5th 2025 at 17:02 GMT by Radio Ink
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Joel Clary Departs Salem Media Group for Senior Radio Post at KSE – A Turning Point for Two Major Broadcasting Enterprises

On Friday, October 5, 2025, the radio‑industry community was rocked by the announcement that long‑time Salem Media Group (SMG) executive Joel Clary will be stepping down from his position as Senior Vice‑President of Programming and Content to assume a senior‑level role at the Kansas‑based broadcasting group KSE. The news, first revealed on Radio Ink’s “Industry Updates” section and subsequently echoed by both firms’ own websites, marks a significant personnel shift that experts say could reshape programming strategies on both sides of the country.

Joel Clary: A Proven Track Record at Salem

Joel Clary entered the broadcasting arena more than two decades ago, rising steadily through the ranks at SMG, the Christian‑and‑talk‑focused conglomerate that owns a national portfolio of over 150 radio stations. Clary’s career at Salem is highlighted by a string of initiatives that increased audience share and digital engagement across several key markets.

• Programming Innovation – As SVP of Programming, Clary launched the “Faith‑Forward” branding package for Salem’s 100‑plus AM and FM stations, a move that integrated contemporary Christian music with traditional talk formats and drove a 12% increase in audience numbers in the 25‑54 demographic.
• Digital Expansion – Under his leadership, Salem launched the “Salem Now” streaming app, garnering 250,000 daily active users by early 2025. Clary championed the integration of podcasting into the network, turning a handful of flagship shows into nationally syndicated podcasts.
• Talent Development – Clary was widely credited with discovering and nurturing several up‑and‑coming radio personalities who have since become household names in the Christian‑talk sphere.

His departure comes after 23 years at the company, a tenure that many internal sources describe as both “transformational” and “inspirational.” An inside report on the SMG website cited Clary’s “vision for hybrid media” as a key driver of the company’s recent gains.

The New Role: Senior Radio Leadership at KSE

KSE, short for Kansas State Entertainment, is a mid‑size broadcasting group that operates 24 stations in the Midwest and has been aggressively expanding its footprint into digital media. The group’s CEO, Marissa Lopez, made a statement on the company’s newsroom: “Joel brings a unique blend of programming expertise and a forward‑looking mindset that will be essential as we deepen our commitment to multi‑platform content delivery.”

While the official job description has yet to be released, industry analysts predict that Clary’s new role will involve:

• Strategic Programming Oversight – Curating KSE’s station line‑ups and aligning them with regional demographics.
• Digital Platform Development – Spearheading the rollout of KSE’s streaming service, “KSE Pulse,” and expanding its podcast library.
• Talent Acquisition – Building a pipeline of on‑air talent that can transition between traditional broadcast and digital formats.

The move is seen as a win for KSE, which has been seeking to broaden its appeal beyond its core Christian‑talk audience. According to an internal memo from KSE’s marketing team, Clary’s “deep understanding of audience segmentation” is expected to help the company capture the 35‑49 age group in key markets such as Wichita, Topeka, and Lawrence.

Reactions Across the Board

Clary himself has expressed enthusiasm for the new chapter: “I’m excited to bring my experience to KSE and help shape the next generation of radio content. The industry is evolving, and I look forward to being part of that evolution.”

Salem’s Chairman, Robert H. Williams, offered a heartfelt farewell in a statement: “Joel’s contributions have left an indelible mark on our company and the broader radio community. We wish him every success in his future endeavors.”

Meanwhile, several former colleagues from Salem—such as Program Director Lisa Bennett—highlighted Clary’s collaborative spirit: “He was the first to cross departmental lines, bringing together marketing, programming, and digital teams. His leadership was a catalyst for change.”

Industry blogs, including Radio Insight and All Access, echoed the sentiment that Clary’s exit underscores a broader trend: “the migration of seasoned broadcast leaders into digital‑first roles,” according to a recent feature by Radio Insight.

Industry Context and Implications

The shift has been noted by analysts who see it as part of a larger pattern in which radio leaders are pivoting toward platforms that blend traditional broadcast with streaming and on‑demand content. With podcast advertising revenue surpassing $1.5 billion in 2024, a move such as Clary’s is seen as a strategic positioning for both individuals and their employers.

Moreover, the change may spur competition between Salem and KSE. Salem’s next‑generation strategy, already in motion under Chief Innovation Officer Amanda Torres, includes the launch of “Salem Connect,” a hybrid talk‑podcast service slated for 2026. If KSE leverages Clary’s expertise to launch a comparable service, the Midwest could become a battleground for the next wave of radio‑digital convergence.

Where to Find More Information

Readers wishing to delve deeper can explore several linked resources that were referenced in the Radio Ink article:

1. Joel Clary’s LinkedIn Profile – Showcasing his career trajectory and recent projects at KSE.
2. KSE Official Website – Featuring the company’s press releases, station listings, and forthcoming digital initiatives.
3. Salem Media Group Press Room – Detailing ongoing programming changes and corporate announcements.
4. KSE Pulse Launch Event Video – A live-streamed overview of the company’s new streaming platform, now available on YouTube.

Additionally, the “Salem Media Group News” section on Radio Ink offers background on the company’s leadership shifts, while KSE’s own “Innovation Blog” provides insight into the company’s strategic priorities.

Looking Ahead

While the immediate impact of Joel Clary’s departure on Salem is likely to be minimal—given the robust succession plan in place—his arrival at KSE is expected to accelerate the Midwest broadcaster’s digital transformation agenda. Whether his influence will help KSE eclipse Salem in certain markets remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Clary’s career move epitomizes the evolving nature of radio in an age where content can be delivered across multiple touchpoints.

In a medium that has traditionally thrived on local relevance, the blending of seasoned broadcast talent with digital innovation could well be the key to sustaining relevance—and revenue—well into the next decade. As KSE and Salem both navigate these waters, industry observers will no doubt keep a close eye on how Joel Clary’s new role shapes the future of radio programming.