(July 22, 2010) The leaders of L.A.’s two biggest clusters are in a tie for 7^th Best Off-Air LARP of 2010. Greg Ashlock, Market Manager for the Clear Channel cluster in Los Angeles, runs the top billing cluster in the United States.  He’s tied with Ed Krampf, head of the group of seven CBS stations.

Starting alphabetically, Greg Ashlock has had quite a heady run in the radio business. He’s a graduate of the USC Annenberg School of Communication with a Master’s degree in communications management and a minor from the Business School. Greg became a corporate sales manager for the L.A. Dodgers beginning in 1994. In 1997 he joined Jacor as an account executive for KXTA / XTRA Sports 1150, focusing on Dodger radio sales. A year later he became the sports sales manager.

In 2001, as part of the AM/FM merger, Greg was named general manager of the AM properties – KFI, KLAC and KXTA. A year later he was named co-market manager for the Clear Channel cluster with Roy Laughlin over CC’s eight radio stations. In 2005, he was made president of the L.A. market, a position he holds today.

Some comments from those who voted for Ashlock:

• “I have no idea how he juggles all the Clear Channel stations, but he does, and manages to still connect with his staff.”
• “He’s creative and empowering, leading CCLA to #1 in ratings and revenue every year.”
• “On his way up he learned from those around him and now brings his own personality and talent to the top of his game.”
• “His demeanor belies a tough interior that listens intently. He is a real problem solver.”
• “Greg is a very smart and upfront honest guy. He has seen the future and seems to see the changes coming much better than most. He maximizes revenue the best as you possibly can.”

Ed Krampf took over the CBS cluster in the spring of 2009 following a tumultuous ride with three cluster leaders being hired and leaving within months of each other.

Beginning in 1997, Ed was with Clear Channel/LA for four years running KIBB (B-100), KBIG, KLAC and KOST. In early 2001, Ed became the San Francisco market manager for Clear Channel until a company restructuring in early summer of 2008. He then went to CBS to head up the Tampa/St. Petersburg and Orlando clusters.

In an interview with LARadio upon his return in 2009 he talked about returning to the west coast:  “I love this business so much. It is an honor to return to Los Angeles radio. I am anxious to make a contribution. I’ll get involved with the SCBA and get involved in all the good stuff. Once you get initiated into LA Radio it never leaves your blood. I don’t plan on being a footnote someday in the history of LA Radio. I’d like it be as a major contributor helping the company to success as we evolve out of this tough economic climate. At the end of the day it has always been the best radio market in the world for many reasons. One of the reasons is the people, the 400 miles of gridlock, quality of the stations, the brilliant personalities and the magic of Hollywood.”

Some of those who voted for Krampf:

• “Kudos for running all those stations with a steady hand in a tough economy.”
• “Ed has restored sanity, confidence and continuity to the seven station CBS cluster. He does what many might consider an impossible job well and has made the right moves with grace.”
• “If this guy has even one nerve-ending left, it’s a miracle. Running an entire cluster in LA? Why not just throw yourself in a volcano as a human sacrifice?”
• “A real gentleman in a position that no longer nurtures such personalities.”
• “What a great guy to work for!”