Cumulus Media cut the majority of the staff of Classic Alternative “99X” 100.5 WNNX College Park/Atlanta GA on Friday as part of the company’s ongoing layoffs.
Among the cuts are “The Morning X” featuring Steve Barnes, Crash Clark, and producer Leslie ‘LT’ Tillery, Program Director/midday host Steve Craig, and evening host Jill Melancon. Only afternoon host Will Pendarvis is unconfirmed as he has not commented and remains on the station website.
Barnes posted, “The End. Thanks to all the listeners that made history bringing back a historic brand for an unprecedented second run. It’s never been done before like this. It was fun to reconnect and rock with Leslie Fram, Chris Crash Clark, Steve Craig, Jill and Will. It’s a brutal business and everyone knew that when they came back. We took it from 27th place to 1st in some demographics. It’s not about the ratings or the product. It’s a bigger conversation that you’re seeing roll out every day in radio. I feel bad for those now in a bad position for laying their hearts on the line for radio. Without digging into all the crap, just know that everyone here LOVED to entertain you and were die hard music fans just like you. Cumulus did what they could but it’s a complicated puzzle. It’s no one’s fault and hopefully will be a great memory for you of when 99X came back and killed it on a signal 1/7th the size of the original signal. There’s nothing we could do and we will all miss the most amazing listener base in Atlanta radio history. Thank YOU.”
Clark shared, “Here we go again! Landed in Fort Lauderdale to celebrate my birthday month and got axed before I drove the rental car out of the airport. What can I say? Well, a lot if I wanna get sued. I’ll just do what I’ve always done and take the high road and move on. A thousand thanks to Steve Craig, Steve Barnes and Leslie Fram for bringing me back to 99X for one last hurrah. I knew this wouldn’t be easy when it started in 1989 but it’s been such a ride with all of you. Many more thanks to everyone who’s been there along the way through thick or thin. I’ve met so many amazing friends and worked with the best in the business and for that I am eternally grateful. As I approach 60 I’ll kick back and contemplate my next move. To those of you who’ve been there for almost four decades I love you and can’t thank you enough. For those who hate me and think I’m an immature asshole, you’re probably right and are entitled to your opinion. For now I’ll be incommunicado on the beach with a cold one. Stay safe and God bless as I breathe in, breathe out, move on. Cheers.”
