At least six employees have exited Z Ministries and their Christian AC “Z88” WPOZ Orlando in the past two weeks after reports at Ministry Watch detailing the actions of Founder/President Jim Hoge.
The reports started after Hoge told HisAir.net of the station’s plan last month to rebrand as “Joy 88.3” after our report regarding Radio Training Network’s impending acquisition of Entravision’s 98.1 WNUE. With RTN set to launch their “The Joy FM” brand on April 19, Hoge claimed that WPOZ would become “Joy 88.3” that day. Ministry Watch obtained an email to employees on Friday, admitting the intended rebranding was a ruse claiming that a local car dealer was financing Radio Training Network’s purchase of WNUE and “This little rouge [sic] in His Air just wrecked his weekend. Because, an alleged flip by The Z to Joy FM will cost him millions.” Hoge also wrote, “As far as rebranding. One can’t make a threat without following through with it. Therefore, if anyone calls or contacts you, as far as you know from management, its [sic] game on.”
That report led to multiple current and former employees reaching out about the toxic workplace of WPOZ in a story published earlier this week.
Underwriting Coordinator/Traffic Coordinator Jim Davis told the publication he was fired on Monday via text message after 23 years at the station after the story was published. Graphic Designer Clara Winborn was told via email her services were no longer needed after posting the story on her Facebook page. Four other staffers left on their own accord. Stephanie Landsman, who hosted nights on-air as ‘Mia Taylor’, resigned last Friday due to stresses the job gave her that last year led her to spending ten days on air in a mental hospital and the ensuing harassment from Hoge. Promotions Director Sarah Cowles and Director of Interactive Technologies Tom Beaton have also resigned as has Director of Ministry Advancement Carter Kenyon. Kenyon also served on the Z Ministries Board of Directors.
