ABC Radio’s Keller Jumps to ESPN

NEW YORK Radio veteran Traug Keller is stepping down from his position as president of ABC Radio Networks to jump over to Disney sister company ESPN.

Beginning Dec. 6, Keller will join ESPN’s programming and production division as senior vp of ESPN Radio and ESPN Deportes. He will report to Mark Shapiro, executive vp of programming and production for ESPN in Bristol, Conn.

Although Keller is leaving ABC Radio Network, he will still be involved in the network radio business. In his new position, Keller will have oversight for all aspects of ESPN Radio, including coordinating with ABC Radio for ad sales and affiliate relations.

Bruce Gilbert, general manager of ESPN Radio, will report to Keller. Along with ESPN Radio, Keller will take on responsibility for the 1-year-old ESPN cable channel targeting Hispanics, ESPN Deportes. Reporting to Keller will be Lino Garcia, gm of ESPN Desportes.

Keller joined ABC Radio Networks in 1994 and was promoted to president in 2000. Under Keller’s watch, the network re-signed Paul Harvey to a 10-year agreement, created the Urban Advantage Radio Network, and syndicated Sean Hannity.

In addition to Keller, other management changes were made within ESPN under Shapiro. David Berson was promoted to senior vp of programming and acquisitions. Along with continuing to oversee all of ESPN and ESPN2 program planning and promotion, Berson takes over programming and production responsibilities for hockey and motor sports including managing ESPN’s National Hockey League product, the Indy car series and National Hot Rod Assocation, as well as the evaluation of a potential Nascar deal.

Kelly Laferriere, vp of programming, will report to Berson.