NASHVILLE (March 31, 2022) – PickleJar, the live entertainment and artist payments app, today announced award-winning radio host Kelly Ford will join PickleJar as Vice President of Programming. Formerly with Audacy, Ford is to oversee the company’s social and content programming strategy in addition to developing original on- demand content for the company’s over-the-top (OTT) channel, PickleJar Plus. Additionally, Ford will take on the oversight of editorial and live streaming content in partnership with select partners and PickLounge venues across the US, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

“Everything I care about personally and professionally led me to this opportunity to step outside the traditional entertainment structure and pursue something with an unbridled horizon,” said Ford. “This is such an exciting opportunity to serve the greater artistic good. As we are pausing to reevaluate all aspects of our industry post- Covid, I see Pickle Jar as a catalyst for changing how audiences and artists connect, as well as making a profound social impact for those in need.”

Coming off her 2021 Gracie Award Major Market Morning Drive Host Winner with duties hosting Audacy’s New York City country music format morning show, Ford first teamed up with the PickleJar to develop a series of artist-focused showcases aired exclusively inside the PickleJar Live app and on PickleJar+ Channel. In her new role with PickleJar, Ford will expand on her decades of radio expertise and her unique audience personalization to bring the stories of the artists directly to the fans.

“We want to be the go-to-brand who tells the story of up-and-coming artists - and capture those unforgettable moments of live entertainment,” said Jeff James, PickleJar chief executive officer. “Kelly’s creative energy knows no bounds. Kelly celebrates and unleashes a diversity of fan experiences in a relatable format. From the Country Radio Hall of Fame broadcast to the Revolutionary Women of Music event leading into the ACM Awards earlier this year, Kelly’s support of artists and creators is an essential part of PickleJar’s growth.”

Ford most recently served as morning personality for Kelly Ford in the Morning on New York's Country 94- 7/WNSH in addition to hosting a nationally syndicated weekend 90's Country Show for Audacy. She had previous stops in Louisville, KY, and Denver, CO before helping Cumulus launch WNSH/New York in 2013. Her rise in NYC led to a co-host spot on Westwood One’s nationally syndicated Ty, Kelly & Chuck morning show, based in Nashville, alongside Ty Bentil and Chuck Wicks. Over the course of her broadcasting career, Kelly has won three CMAs, an ACM, two Gracie Awards, and a Marconi Award.

 

About PickleJar Holdings:

PickleJar believes artists should have full control over the profitability of their creative talents. Our peer-to-peer payment technology and proprietary performance management tools make it frictionless to receive, manage and move money for musicians, content creators and artists of all kinds on any stage, streaming platform or street corner. Leveraging the deep fintech and music industry expertise of our leadership team, we have launched the first social payments app specifically built to put the #ArtistFirst. The cashless tipping app creates direct engagement between artists and fan, then tokenizes loyalty through a unique rewards program. We are committed to empowering people to maximize their earning potential and realizing their financial freedom in the new Gratitude Economy. Learn more about the “world’s biggest tip jar” at PickleJar.com.