Matt Hanlon

The MAB is passing along the sad news that longtime Michigan broadcasting executive Matt Hanlon passed away unexpectedly this past Tuesday (10/20) from an apparent heart attack.  He spent decades in radio management, sales and operations, overseeing major market clusters and helping develop regional programming networks. Hanlon was perhaps best known for his leadership at Citadel Broadcasting, where he served as Midwest Division President, based in Grand Rapids, overseeing 85 stations across 14 markets and approximately 1,500 employees.

During his tenure at Citadel, Hanlon played a pivotal role in developing Michigan's statewide sports radio network, recognizing the potential to expand Bill Simonson's local sports talk program, "The Huge Show," into a statewide offering. The initiative helped establish the program as a prominent sports radio brand while creating new revenue opportunities.

Simonson told Barrett Media, “He was a dude that came up with the idea for the statewide network. And he was a good friend. He was a great leader. We had a lot in common with five kids each. He went through a tough divorce, and tough times with his children. I’ve done the same thing with my kids. But his heart was always in the right place.”

On Facebook, former WLAV air talent Kevin Matthews wrote, "Matt Hanlon had no off switch, he devoured history, marketing and embraced new technologies that many in radio feared."

In November 2016, Hanlon was named Vice President and Market Manager for Entercom's newly acquired Charlotte cluster, which included WFNZ-AM (The Fan), WLNK-FM (The Link) and WBT-AM/FM. He also held leadership positions with Townsquare Media and Saga Communications, most recently serving as Director of Sales for Saga in Des Moines, IA.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, October 27 at St. Robert’s Church, 6477 Ada Dr. SE, Ada. Family and friends may gather from 12-3 and 5-8 p.m., with family sharing memories at 6:30, on Monday October 26 at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Van Strien Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield Ave NE. Contributions in his memory may be made to Guiding Light Mission.