After cutting six staffers from Sports 1460 KXNO Des Moines as part of the national layoffs, iHeartMedia has reversed course and will bring the laid off employees back next week.
In addition KXNO will begin simulcasting on FM replacing Alternative “Alt 106.3” KDXA.
KXNO GM Joel McCrea told WHO-TV that he and noticed the angry reaction to the news from thousands of listeners in Iowa and reconsidered his decision to restructure KXNO. He was given permission by iHeartMedia to re-hire the employees.
The staffers originally dismissed were Program Director Andrew Downs, morning hosts Travis Justice and Heather Burnside and producer Sean Roberts and afternoon hosts Chris Williams and Ross Peterson.
There is no word yet whether there will be additional cuts in the Des Moines cluster.
I'm humbled and honored to be able to take @1460kxno to the next level, and to do it with all of my friends.
You did this. The listener, the advertiser, the people who wrote and called and tweeted and more.
Thank you. For everything.
— Andrew Downs (@AndrewCDowns) January 16, 2020
They’re ALL back Tuesday on @1460kxno, and now they’ve given us an FM signal. 📻 💥
Power to the people. ✊🏻 Thank you. You made this happen.
(Not pictured but also returning, @Sean23Roberts) pic.twitter.com/ynUtVumtNL
— Keith Murphy (@MurphyKeith) January 16, 2020
The Register now has a lot more quotes–especially from Mr. Downs…
https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/sports/2020/01/16/1460-kxno-restores-jobs-lost-during-tuesday-layoff-shows-returning-air/4489231002