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Andy Schuon
Executive leader, media brand builder, streaming media expert, board member, public speaker - President, AXS TV + HDNet Movies + REVOLT co-founder…Former MTV, CBS, KROQ, Warner Bros., Sony, Universal, Live Nation
Professional Background
Andy Schuon is an accomplished leader in the music and entertainment industry with a remarkable career that launched while he was still in high school. As America’s youngest radio personality, Andy quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with in radio broadcasting. Over the ensuing decades, he has held pivotal roles in some of the most prominent companies in the music and entertainment spheres, leaving an indelible mark on every organization he has been part of.
With a deep-rooted passion for disruption and innovation, Andy has shaped the trajectory of renowned media outlets and companies such as KROQ-FM in Los Angeles, MTV, VH1, Sony Music, Warner Music, Universal Music, XM Satellite Radio, and Live Nation. His visionary leadership has continually paved new avenues for connecting artists to their audiences, utilizing a mix of traditional and digital platforms. Most recently, he served as the President of AXS TV and HDNet Movies, where he contributed significantly to expanding the networks’ programming and outreach.
o Prior to this role, Andy headed up Loop Media's Studios division, a NYSE-listed company, where his team was responsible for building and managing over 200 music and entertainment-focused TV channels directed to businesses. His multifaceted career not only underscores his expertise in media and entertainment but also highlights his commitment to nurturing innovative ideas that resonate with audiences and transform brand engagement.
Education and Achievements
Andy Schuon’s educational journey began at Reno High School, where he discovered his passion for communication and media. He further honed his skills by studying Journalism at the University of Nevada, Reno, where he laid a strong foundation for his future endeavors in media and entertainment.
Throughout his career, Andy has taken on a myriad of influential positions that have allowed him to drive significant results in various capacities. He was the Co-Founder and Founding President of REVOLT MEDIA & TV, where he played an integral role in developing a platform that empowers artists and delivers authentic music culture to fans. His tenure at Live Nation Entertainment, where he served as the Chief Digital Officer and President of Artist Services, was marked by the integration of innovative digital strategies that not only enhanced the artist experience but also transformed how fans interact with their favorite performers.
As the leader of the International Music Feed (IMF) Network at Universal Music Group, Andy pioneered initiatives that captured the essence of global music trends, broadcasting a rich array of content to audiences everywhere. He also served as the Executive Vice President and General Manager at Warner Records, collaborating closely with some of the industry’s top talents and driving unprecedented successes in music sales and promotions.
Achievements
Under Andy’s direction, various organizations have achieved remarkable milestones. For instance, during his time at KROQ-FM, he was instrumental in developing programming that resonated deeply with audiences in Los Angeles, solidifying the station's position as a cultural touchstone for music fans.
His strategic oversight at CBS Radio, overseeing programming and marketing, played a significant role in revitalizing the network’s approach and expanding its listener base. One of his noteworthy entrepreneurial ventures involved co-founding Farmclub.com, a pioneering platform that merged new artists with established industry icons, facilitating groundbreaking collaborations and introducing fresh talent into the mainstream.
Andy has also contributed to educational endeavors through his work as a board member at Teach For America, where he utilized his expertise to foster youth development and promote equitable education opportunities across the nation.
In terms of recognition, throughout his career, he has built a stellar reputation for transforming media narratives, empowering artists, and leading successful teams. With his extensive background and wealth of experience, Andy Schuon stands as a beacon of innovation and passion within the entertainment landscape, continually inspiring those around him to strive for excellence in connecting content with fans.
Highlights
And here we have KROQ-FM program directors spanning more than 50 years. Shadoe Stevens was the first back in ‘72. I stopped in after Rick Carroll passed away for its teenage years to figure out what it wanted to be when it grew up, and I brought along two delinquents: Kevin & Bean. Kevin Weatherly replaced me, and has gone on to ensure that no other radio station will ever come close to its influence on global music culture. Shadoe had a vision to win by playing all new music. Generally only familiar music works for ratings. The genius Rick Carroll was next, and he took that idea to new heights. Soon radio stations everywhere, and MTV watched to see what KROQ played so they could build their playlists. After Rick passed away I bridged the ROQ of the 80’s to the ROQ of the 90’s with a new focus on rock and guitars. Soon came Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Red Hot Chili Peppers…and I was off to MTV. Kevin went all in on rock and a genre of music once called “KROQ Music” became forever known around the world as “alternative rock.” We spent an entire afternoon together sharing our experiences, and I will be honest I felt pretty emotional as I drove home. Only a few of us have had the opportunity to shape the music landscape and the sound of Southern California, and I am incredibly grateful for my chance. Long live The World Famous KROQ #musicbusiness #radio #music #history
Rest in peace to one of the iconic DJ's of FM radio, Jim Ladd, who passed away on December 17th. As a young rising radio DJ, I was inspired by Jim's work and his nationally syndicated program. He was featured on Roger Waters' Radio KAOS album and served as the inspiration for Tom Petty's "The Last DJ" song. In an unimaginable moment, I had the opportunity to co-host a syndicated special with Jim in Chicago in 1987. A few years later I found my way to Los Angeles programming rival KROQ-FM. We reconnected earlier this year to discuss a new project he was dreaming up. On a recent call with me and Ahmet Zappa, Jim remained as passionate as ever about doing things his way on the radio. Jim's ability to maintain his image as a rebel DJ while working on two of the most commercially programmed stations, KLOS and SiriusXM, is a remarkable feat. Well played, Jim Ladd. #radio #dj #rip #broadcasting #inspiration
