Cumulus Media Networks and Westwood One are continuing their integration and merging their overlapping formats to avoid duplication.
About ten full-time staffers at Cumulus’ Dallas headquarters (the former ABC Radio Networks) have been let go as their affiliates have been asked to switch over to the Westwood One produced programming beginning the second week of June. Stations that move over will receive new programming clocks and airstaffs.
In the markets where both Cumulus Media Networks and Westwood One had affiliates in the same format each station will have separate music schedules and on-air lineups. The formats that will cease duplication out of Dallas include AC, Hot AC, Classic Rock and Mainstream Country.
Sadly I think Real Country is next on the chopping block (to be merged with Nash Icons?) Shame because it’s a good service. I wonder how will the non-Cumulus small market stations which carry services would react if this becomes even worse…..