Beasley Media announced the layoffs today of 67 employees as well as the temporary furloughing of 18 additional full-time employees.
In a statement to the Philadelphia Inquirer, an unnamed company spokesperson said, “Our company, like other broadcasters and our clients, is being directly impacted by the recent unanticipated economic downturn due to the Coronavirus pandemic. These are very difficult decisions. We are confident that the steps we take today will allow us to continue to serve our clients, communities and ensure our company will emerge stronger once the crisis abates.”
The layoffs followed last week’s decision by the company to roll-back all employee salaries by 10%, with CEO Caroline Beasley taking a 20% reduction.
Among the staffers exiting are:
- WPEN-FM Philadelphia morning co-host Tra Thomas.
- Country 99.5 WQYK Tampa evening host Mark Baggio announced his exit on Facebook. Baggio moved to nights at WQYK in January after seven years as morning show producer at sister “Wild 94.1” WLLD.
- Rich Fields exits afternoons at Classic Hits “Q105” 104.7 WRBQ Tampa. The former Price Is Right announcer joined WRBQ in October 2017.