While iHeartMedia has made the most news lately in terms of staffing cuts, recent downsizing moves have been made the past few days at Cumulus Media, CBS Radio, and Entercom.
Two major market Cumulus News/Talk stations have shed talent in the past couple of days. Morning host Brian Wilson is out at 630 WMAL/105.9 WMAL-FM Washington DC after six years at the station. Recently added co-host Mary Walter remains in place on “Mornings On The Mall”.
Ron Kuby exits as 12-3pm co-host at 770 WABC New York. Kuby and longtime co-host Curtis Sliwa returned to WABC in January 2014 when Rush Limbaugh moved to iHeartMedia’s 710 WOR. The duo previously hosted mornings together on the station from 2000 until 2007. Curtis Sliwa remains in place.
As Entercom’s purchase of CBS Radio continues to proceed, both companies have been looking to trim costs ahead of closing leading to exits on both sides. Anne Gress, Program Director at CBS Classic Hits 98.1 WOGL Philadelphia since 2003, exits. Prior to joining WOGL Gress also programmed Smooth Jazz 106.1 WJJZ and served as Operations Manager of Urban “Power 99” WUSL Philadelphia.
On the Entercom side, Michael Chase departs after 16 years as APD/MD/Director of Marketing & Promotions at Hot AC “Star 94.1” WSTR Atlanta as his position was eliminated. And two on-air talents are gone at CHR “106.5 The End” KUDL Sacramento. Morning co-host Jason Barsky, who joined the station in 2007 in the aftermath of the Wii incident, exits as does night host Greg Tanner. Tanner had moved from mornings at Hot AC “Star 106.5” to nights when the CHR “End” format was moved to 106.5 earlier this year. Co-hosts Gavin & Katie remain in place on the “Wake Up Call”, with Program Director Tim “Rayne” Rainey joining them.
Not for nothin’, but four people across like 200-some stations (and, the complete shut down of a station in Sacremento) at ETM/CBS? Not really sure if that’s worth the “axe” or the huge iHeart comparison. Just sayin’.
CBS just carried out another sizable layoff in Philadelphia. Gone are WOGL afternoon host “Cadillac Jack” and Promotion Manager Samantha Simon, 92.5 XTU night jock Jennifer Reed, 94 WIP Sales Manager Vince Gambino, and Today’s 96.5 Promotion Director Kristen Stoltz.