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Mark P. Mays is an American media executive and businessman, best known as the former President and CEO of Clear Channel Communications, Inc. (now iHeartMedia), serving from 2003 to 2008. The son of Lowry Mays, co-founder of the San Antonio-based company, Mark Mays rose through the ranks at Clear Channel, which grew into the world's largest radio station owner and outdoor advertising firm under family leadership. During his tenure, the company expanded aggressively through acquisitions but faced significant controversies, including a 2006 FCC investigation and $1.75 million fine for payola violations involving undisclosed payments to DJs for playing certain songs; Clear Channel admitted no wrongdoing but settled. Mays was criticized for the company's perceived conservative political slant, exemplified by his 2003 Wall Street Journal op-ed defending Clear Channel's removal of antiwar songs from playlists amid backlash over the Dixie Chicks' criticism of President George W. Bush.
After Clear Channel's 2008 restructuring into CC Media Holdings (later iHeartMedia) and Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Mays continued in executive roles, including Chairman of Clear Channel Outdoor until 2010. He has since maintained a lower public profile but remains connected to Texas business circles. Clear Channel's dominance in radio syndication under Mays facilitated major conservative talk shows, contributing to the network's influence in media and politics.