Hannah Karp Named Editorial Director of Billboard Media Group

(Photo: Jamiya Wilson) –
Hannah Karp

Hannah Karp has been named editorial director of Billboard Media Group, according to a release Billboard posted on its site today (Dec. 5).

Karp joined Billboard in April 2017 as the music industry trade media platform’s News Director following ten years with Wall Street Journal where she covered the music business. In this newly created role, the veteran journalist will oversee all music industry coverage for Billboard Media Group, owned by Valence Media and whose holdings include Spin, Vibe and Stereogum.

“Promoted from within, she both knows and is known to the industry while her editorial vision aligns with the bigger business vision across platforms, genres, and territory lines as well as print, digital and television live events and conferences,” Deanna Brown, Valence managing director, said in a statement. “Also worth noting, Hannah is the first woman in the history of the publication to assume this role.”

Karp’s decade at the Wall Street Journal saw her covering a range of beats. Her sports coverage for the publication won her the Newswoman’s Club’s Front Page Award in 2011. Karp graduated from Duke University with a B.A. in economics and has a Masters in Journalism from Northwestern University.

This past February, Billboard, which was part of Billboard-Hollywood Reporter Media Group, was integrated into Valence Media, a larger media holding company which includes Dick Clark Productions and MRC (an independent television and film studio). Valence is helmed by co-CEOs Asif Satchu and Modi Wiczyk (of MRC). It’s chairman, Todd Boehly, was initially a part of the purchase of Billboard by Guggenheim Partners in 2013.

“Hannah has an exemplary history as a journalist, and particularly in music. She is respected throughout our hallways, and our industry,” said Wiczyk in a statement. “We know that she will relentlessly pursue integrity – in our journalism, in our charts, in our corporate culture, and in our interactions with our industry constituents.”

While Karp may be the first female editorial director of Billboard Media Group, the publication itself was formerly led by another woman, Tamara Coniff, who was editorial director from 2004-2008. Following Coniff, Bill Werde ran Billboard until 2014. He was followed by a succession of editors in varying capacities who helped oversee Billboard‘s editorial and included Joe Levy, Tony Gervino, Craig Marks and Mike Bruno. In September 2018, Jason Lipshutz was named editorial director and Ross Scarano was named VP of content.

This past July, Billboard’s CEO John Amato was terminated following accusations of misconduct.

“Karp’s status as an industry veteran represents a shift back to the highest standards of journalism,” the release stated. “She has played an essential role in managing breaking and enterprising news stories across Billboard’s platforms.”