Kevin Metheny facts for kids

Kevin Metheny (born June 6, 1954 – died October 3, 2014) was an American executive in radio and TV. He started his career working on the radio. Later, he became a leader in programming and audience research for many radio stations.

In the 1980s, Kevin Metheny helped create popular TV channels like MTV and VH1. He was a vice-president in charge of music programming for these channels. After his time in TV, he went back to working in radio. He was also known for his rivalry with famous radio host Howard Stern. Stern often called him "Pig Virus."

Kevin Metheny's Career Journey

Kevin Metheny started his radio career in 1970. He worked weekends at a rock music station called KWHP-FM in Edmond, Oklahoma. The next year, he moved to WKY in Oklahoma City. He worked there while still in high school.

After high school, he got a job at KJR in Seattle. He worked there in the evenings. Later, he moved to New Orleans and became a music director. He was then promoted to Program Director at WNOE-FM. A Program Director decides what music and shows a radio station plays. He also worked as a Program Director at other stations, like KMJC in California.

Working in Radio Research

Metheny then focused on understanding radio listeners. He became the Director of Radio Audience Measurement (RAM) Research. This job involved studying what people liked to listen to on the radio. He helped many stations use this research to improve their shows. He also became a Program Director at WIBG in Philadelphia.

He continued to lead programming at big radio stations. These included WXKX in Pittsburgh and WEFM in Chicago. He also worked at KSLQ-FM in St. Louis.

Helping Build MTV and VH1

In 1980, Metheny became the Program Director for WNBC in New York City. This was a big radio station owned by NBC. Around 1984, he joined Warner Amex Satellite Entertainment Company. He became the Director of MTV Programming.

He was part of a team that secretly developed VH1. This new channel was created to compete with MTV. Metheny was promoted to vice-president of music programming for both MTV and VH1. He later became the vice-president of VH1.

Returning to Radio Leadership

After MTV Networks was bought by Viacom, Metheny returned to radio. He became the Program Director of KTKS in Dallas. He then moved to Savannah, Georgia, where he was a Vice President and General Manager for two radio stations.

He also worked in San Francisco for KFRC-AM-FM. Later, he moved to Minneapolis to work at KQQL.

Leading Radio Groups

Metheny moved to Jacksonville, Florida. There, he combined the operations of several radio stations. This happened after new rules from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) allowed companies to own more stations.

He then moved to Cleveland to lead programming for Jacor Communications'. He managed six radio stations in the Cleveland area. When Jacor merged with Clear Channel Communications, Metheny was promoted again. He became a Regional Vice President of Programming. In this role, he advised 59 radio stations in Ohio.

In 2008, Metheny left Clear Channel. He became the Program Director for WGN in Chicago. He worked there until 2010. In 2013, he became program director at WJR in Detroit. In June 2014, he took a new job in San Francisco at KGO and KSFO. He worked there until he passed away on October 3, 2014, at age 60. He was survived by his two daughters.

Portrayal in Private Parts

Kevin Metheny became famous for his rivalry with radio host Howard Stern. Stern often called him "Pig Virus" on his radio show.

In the 1997 movie Private Parts, a character named Kenny "Pig Vomit" Rushton was based on Metheny. Actor Paul Giamatti played this character. The movie was based on Howard Stern's book of the same name.

Personal Life and Education

Kevin Metheny studied at Seattle University. He also attended Kent State University's Graduate School of Management.