Update 7/1:More names continue to come public adding names from Auburn AL, Providence RI, Salt Lake City, Salisbury MD, and Seattle.
This list is by all-means not complete. There are at least fifty more names that we are waiting on them to publicly confirm, some of whom never will. We have also been receiving emails from many people asking about names whose pages were deleted from station websites. While normally that is a good way to verify someone’s departure, we are aware that there are quite a few profiles of talent whose pages were deleted but they are 100% still with the company, so please do not rely on that just yet as a guaranteed source of who has been let go and who may be replacing them as some are only temporary place-holders as well.
Update 6/25:The massive reduction in on-air and programming talent at iHeartMedia continues to take place across even more markets today as it enters its third day.
As the names continue to trickle out, some patterns are starting to emerge. Many smaller markets including Atlantic City NJ, Cedar Rapids IA, Erie PA, Fort Collins CO, Springfield MO, and Spokane WA have lost all of their remaining local on-air talents. Even larger markets such as Indianapolis and St. Louis are now down to just a couple local hosts. Surprising many of the people within the company we have spoken to were the amount of people already on the national content teams being affected.
While some earlier layoffs made by the company, in particular the January 2009 and January 2020 may end up affecting a larger number of people, we’re told that these cuts focusing on just on-air and some programmers will impact a larger percentage of the remaining employees within the company.
See the full list of all names that have gone public below. If you have been affected by the ongoing restructuring at iHeartMedia and wish to share your details and/or contact information, let us know at [email protected].
Original Report 6/23: iHeartMedia initiated a programming realignment today as it intends to scale its “new tech capabilities over the last several years”.
The realignment which comes with a round of layoffs coinciding with the end of the second quarter. In its Q1 earnings report, iHeartMedia stated that it intended to begin a new cost savings program of $50 million in the second half of 2026 in addition to the $100 million of cost cutting already planned or to have already taken place this year.
A buzz-word filled memo sent to staffers today by iHeartMedia Multi Platform Group CEO Ann Marie Licata and Chief Programming Officer Tom Poleman laid out their plans.
As the number one company in audio, our business model is to build engaged relationships with listeners and then monetize those relationships. Our business success is built on putting our listeners and our communities first – and in support of that mission, we’re now taking an important step that will move us further into the future: Evolving how we program our stations to reward and develop our leading and up-and-coming talent.
What sets us apart as a company is our dedication to creating new opportunities for our top personalities, making sure ‘Guaranteed Human’ is at the core of everything we do. Real voices and real talent strengthen our real connection and commitment to our communities.
We also know that our sellers need faster and easier to use information about our programming, talent and audiences.Faster is better, and that’s the goal of our changes. With that in mind, we’ve built new tech capabilities over the last several years that have enabled us to both deepen our relationships with the listeners and communities who depend on us and improve the support we provide to our sellers. We’re now moving to scale this approach.
These moves are designed to:
• Expand and deepen our support for our communities, markets and sales teams;
• Fully leverage our technology to deliver an even stronger product for listeners wherever they live;
• Move faster and operate with greater precision across markets; and
• Position us not just to adapt to the future, but to lead it.While we will be creating new roles to support our future needs, we also recognize that some colleagues and existing positions will be impacted as part of these changes. We have given this a great deal of thought and do not take this step lightly; we are deeply grateful for the contributions of those affected, and we’re committed to supporting them through this transition.
At every step, our commitment remains the same: To build a stronger, more connected audio platform built on the strength of our broadcast radio assets, and combining our commitment to the communities we serve with the scale of our technology and the authenticity and creativity of our people.
Reading between the lines and connecting the dots with recent moves, iHeart appears to be making the move to more centralized content at many of its stations. With the exit of Haze from KSLZ St. Louis, that station will now rely on all out-of-market talent or in the words of Poleman and Licata, “evolving how we program our stations to reward and develop our leading and up-and-coming talent.”
Among the exits known so far:
National
Jon Jeffries departs as Executive Producer for the iHeart Sports Radio Network overseeing programming in 51 markets. Jeffries previously served as an anchor for Fox Sports Radio and Sporting News Radio, and roles at stations in Los Angeles, Houston, Atlanta, and Phoenix. He can be reached at JonJeffriesVoiceoverArtist.com.
Akron OH
Tony McGinty departs as Program Director and morning co-host at Hot AC 98.1 WKDD. McGinty also held roles at WMMS Cleveland. He had a previous run at WKDD from 2013-2020 and held roles at WGAR Cleveland, WAKR Arkon, and WTHT Portland ME.
Allentown PA
Mike Kelly exits mornings at CHR “B104” WAEB-FM after two decades in the timeslot preceded by a long run in afternoons. Kelly posted, “Well it was bound to happen. I’ve been let go. No long speeches. Just thanks for the ride.”
Co-host Becca Lynn is also out. She joined the station in September 2023 after previously spending fifteen years in mornings at “Cat Country 96” WCTO from 2004-19. In between she served as PD/afternoon host at WVPO Stroudsburg and WLGD Scranton.
Joel Shimer exits the dual roles of midday host at Rock 95.1 WZZO and nights at Country 94.7 WDSD Dover DE. Shimer joined WZZO in October 2023 after previously serving as morning show producer and later co-host at Cumulus Classic Rock “99.9 The Hawk” WODE from 2019-23. He wrote, “I’ve always heard the saying, You haven’t worked in radio until you get fired. After today, I guess I can officially say I’ve worked in radio. 🤘🏼 It’s been a helluva run. I can’t say THANK YOU enough to the best, most LOYAL listeners in the world. Thank you for allowing me to live my dream every single day. Radio has given me friendships, memories, opportunities, and experiences I never could have imagined. I’m incredibly grateful. part of corporate layoffs after juuuuuust buying your first house is never ideal. OnlyFans next??? (Just kidding) Until then I’ll be enjoying a liquid lunch on the deck I can no longer afford!!! Cheers to new beginnings!”
Daniel Holzman exits as morning co-host and news anchor at News/Talk 790 WAEB after 30 years with the station and 25 years in his current role. Holzman also anchored news for iHeart’s WRAK Williamsport and WHP Harrisburg. He can be reached at [email protected].
Albany NY
One month after moving from mornings to afternoons at Hot AC “99.5 The River” WRVE following the exit of her co-host Kevin Rush, Tracy Villaume has exited. Villaume joined iHeart Albany in 2015 as a news anchor and reporter for sister News/Talk 810 WGY/103.1 WGY-FM before moving to WRVE in 2018.
Jeff Levack and Thomas ‘Goz’ Goslowski’s afternoon show at “Fox Sports 980/95.9” WOFX has been cancelled. The duo joined WOFX in April 2023. Levack previously spent seven years as afternoon host on Townsquare Media Sports “104.5 The Team” WTMM-FM until exiting in May 2021. Goslowski was Program Director of WOFX and WGY/WGY-FM. He previously served as PD and Levack’s co-host at WTMM-FM until his exit in January 2021 preceded by six years as morning host of WSKO Syracuse.
Anchorage AK
Casey Bieber exits after a 23 year run with the cluster. Bieber has programmed CHR 101.3 KGOT since 2013, added mornings in 2015, and added PD/afternoons at Country 107.5 KASH in 2022. Bieber also operates VO business FirewoodVO.
Amy Demboski departs mornings at News/Talk 670 KENI after a three year run. She shared, “iHeartMedia is shifting their focus from local content to a national focus, so today was my last radio show on KENI. I am grateful to iHeart for the chance to speak directly to fellow Alaskans over the past 3 years, and a special thank you to all the listeners and followers who made our show one of the biggest talk shows in Alaska. I have nothing but positive memories that I am taking with me. This isn’t goodbye, it’s just a little reset; I am already working on a new endeavor, so stay tuned… the best is yet to come!”
Ashland/Mansfield OH
Chris Kelly exits as SVP/Programming for Ashland/Mansfield, Marion, and Defiance OH, afternoon host at Hot AC “Y105” WYHT Mansfield and weekends on CHR 97.9 WNCI Columbis. Kelly previously held programming roles at WVNO Mansfield, as well as in Lima, Rockford IL, and Altoona and Johnstown PA. He told us, “I have sincerely appreciated my time at iHeartMedia and am grateful for all the opportunities I have had. The mentorship and support I have received have been instrumental to my success. I am looking forward to the next chapter in my career, whatever it may entail, and I wish continued success for my colleagues. As many in this industry understand, it can be unpredictable, but it is important to maintain professionalism and stay resilient. That is the approach I intend to take moving forward.” Kelly can be reached at [email protected].
Atlantic City NJ
Joe Borsello & Scott Reilly’s “JoJo & Scotty Morning Show” departs Rock 100.7 WZXL after seventeen years at the station. The duo previously worked together in mornings at 103.7 WMGM-FM, while Reilly held roles at 102.7 WJSE and WYSP Philadelphia. Borsello wrote, “Radio has been a huge part of my life since I started in college, and I feel incredibly blessed to have spent so many years doing something I genuinely loved. When I got into the business, it was fun, creative, unpredictable, and challenging. Back when I was doing nights in Colorado Springs, I was able to do things on that show that would never happen today. I worked with an amazing staff and put in countless hours to produce a show I was proud of. Later, I was fortunate enough to move back to New Jersey and continue my radio career just miles from where I grew up.”
The Mike & Diane morning show has come to an end at CHR 95.1 WAYV. Diane Mitchell has been with WAYV since 1999 after previously working at WPST Trenton and WBBO Ocean Acres. Mike Kelso replaced the previous ‘Mike’ in 2014 after stints as PD/morning host at WBBO and WWZY Long Branch. He commented, “Welp, that’s a wrap. 19 years working in radio and it ends on a random Wednesday. I could write a whole thing about the ups and downs of the industry but I’ll let you read about it later. But the thing I’ll miss the most is being able to take my kids to the studio and do cool things with them. It’s a long time coming but it’s time to re-invent myself and get a big boy job. If you have any ideas what a guy that spent 19 years trying to be funny professionally can do for a living, let me know.”
Auburn AL
Van Riggs exits the company’s Auburn/Opelika AL cluster after nineteen years. Riggs served as SVP/Programming for the cluster, morning host on Country “97.7 Kicker-FM” WKKR, and afternoon host on Country “South 106.1” WSTH Columbus GA. He wrote, “While this isn’t the ending I expected, I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities, friendships, and memories I’ve been blessed to experience along the way. To everyone who has listened, supported our stations, partnered with us, or welcomed me into your community or business over the years—thank you. It has truly been an honor to be a small part of your lives.” He noted that he will continue to serve as the play-by-play voice for Opelika High School football.
Baltimore
Bob Delmont departs after 27 years in middays at Country 93.1 WPOC. Delmont also hosted 6am-12pm on most of iHeart’s Classic Country stations across the country. He told us, “It has been a great ride at WPOC all these years and recently under the great leadership of Jeff Kapugi. I’ll be looking for my next opportunity very soon.” Delmont can be reached at [email protected].
Birmingham AL
Spencer Graves exits mornings at Country “102.5 The Bull” WDXB and 102.1 WDRM Huntsville after 3+ years. Graves has also hosted mornings at WUBL Atlanta, WARH St. Louis and WSTW Wilmington DE. Graves can be reached at [email protected].
Madison Reeves Williams exits from her multi-market roles including afternoons at Country “102.5 The Bull” WDXB and middays at Country “Whistle 100.5” WSSL Greenville SC and Modern AC “Cities 97.1” KTCZ Minneapolis. Madison co-hosted mornings at WDXB from 2009 to 2022 and was also heard on weekends across multiple formats including AC, Country and Classic Country. She wrote, “25 years with iHeart came to an end today. I have seen so many talented co-workers go through this before and it really is so sad what has happened to radio. I will always have wonderful memories of my career and the amazing things I got to do and people I got to meet, money that was raised for amazing charities. I don’t know what comes next, but I have faith that God has great plans for me!”
Bismarck ND
Ginger G departs as morning host at “Rock 101.5” KSSS after fourteen years. Ginger shared, “After 14 incredible years doing mornings on Rock 101 and on the air in Bismarck-Mandan, I’m absolutely heartbroken to share that I’m one of the many affected by the recent iHeartMedia layoffs. It’s hard to put into words what these years have meant. I’ve had the privilege of connecting with listeners & clients who have become friends, supporting local fundraisers, celebrating our community, and working alongside coworkers who became like family. While I’m not sure where this next chapter will lead, I know I’ll always be grateful for the friendships, memories, and support you’ve given me along the way.
Brunswick GA
Scott Ryfun departs as South Georgia VP/Programming and morning host on News/Talk 98.7 WGIG.
Cedar Rapids IA
Doug Wagner exits mornings at News/Talk 600 WMT after 33 years at the station.
Charleston SC
Michael Blaze is out as PD/afternoon host on Classic Rock “Q104.5” WRFQ after 27 years with the station. Blaze wrote, “I do not want to let this moment pass without acknowledging my gratitude to our clients, our listeners, and our friends. I am thankful for all the wonderful people that I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and serving over these many years. Maybe I will land somewhere else in radioland, or maybe I won’t. Regardless, I am thankful that I still have my health. I am thankful that I still have my awesome family. I am thankful that I still have a thriving real estate business when so many other broadcasters are having to face the harsh reality of being systematically removed from a career that they love so much. I am thankful to you, my friends, for making this an awesome ride. I’m still here, and I hope that we talk soon!”
Cincinnati
‘KiddChris’ Foley departs as morning host at Rock 102.7 WEBN after a fourteen year run.
Cleveland OH
Dan Stansbury departs his dual role of morning host at “Rock 106.9” WRQK Canton and midday host at 100.7 WMMS Cleveland. Stansbury had hosted mornings at WRQK since 2014 and added WMMS in January 2022/ He previously served as Producer/co-host on The Maxwell Show in mornings on WMMS and then Classic Rock 98.5 WNCX and hosted afternoons on Alternative “87.7 The Cleveland Sound” WLFM-LP.
Scott Davidson departs his roles as National correspondent for iHeart Sports Network, Sports Betting expert for News/Talk 1100 WTAM Cleveland, weekend host at Classic Hits “Majic 105.7” WMJI, and midday host at AC “Sunny 101.7” WHOF Canton OH after six years with the company. He can be reached at [email protected].
Columbia SC
‘Gary David’ Barboza exits as PD/morning host at News/Talk 560 WVOC/103.5 W278CY Columbia and morning host at “94.3 WSC” WSCC Charleston SC after over three decades.
Columbus GA
Kelin Flis exits middays at AC “Sunny 100.1” WGSY after four years. Flis recently joined WFMJ-TV Youngstown OH as a reporter.
Columbus OH
RAMP reports that Chris Davis has departed as afternoon host at CHR 97.9 WNCI and midday host on Classic Hits “93.3 The Bus” WODC after a 25 year run in the company. Davis also tracked for multiple stations across the country including afternoons on AC “Sunny 99.1” KODA Houston.
Joe Kelly exits his multiple roles including APD/MD for WNCI, APD/midday host on Country 92.3 WCOL, and Production Director after an eleven year run. He previously had an earlier five year stint as APD/MD at WNCI from 2000-05 as well as serving as PD of WRBT Harrisburg PA, OM/PD for Cumulus Indianapolis, and APD/MD for Saga’s Columbus cluster.
Corpus Christi TX
Steven ‘Rex’ Gabriel exits mornings at Rock “C101” KNCN after 36 years. Rex wrote, “Some songs end before you’re ready. So does this one. Thank you for 36 unforgettable years.”
Denver
Bret Saunders is out as morning host at AAA 97.3 KBCO after 28 years with the station. Saunders shared, “Thank you for 28+ years. I’ve loved every day with you, and being a small part of your lives has been my greatest honor and pleasure. My time at KBCO has come to an end. I will miss the laughs, the countless people I’ve met, and being a part of the community. I will check in again soon, but for now, just know I delighted in being with you.”
Denise Plante departs middays at Country “106.7 The Bull” KWBL. Prior to joining KWBL in 2018, Plante spent 15 years at AC 101.1 KOSI and previously worked in the market at “Mix 100.3” KIMN and “Alice 105.9” KALC. Plante shared, “If you’ve listened to me on the radio, watched me on TV, stopped me at the grocery store, waved at a parade, shared a laugh at an event, or simply welcomed me into your life, thank you. Colorado has been my home for nearly 30 years, and the connection I’ve had with listeners is something I’ll treasure forever. Radio has been part of my heart since I was 19 years old. Being able to spend the last 8 years with The Bull, talking country music, giving away tickets, celebrating life, and sharing so many memories with all of you has been an incredible gift.”
Ryan Schuiling departs as morning host at Talk 630 KHOW after two plus years in the timeslot. Prior to moving to mornings, Schuiling served as producer of the station’s afternoon show and hosted Sports shows in Lansing and Grand Rapids MI.
Gregg Stone exits as afternoon host at Classic Rock “103.5 The Fox” KRFX and morning host at “92.9 The Bear” KPAW Fort Collins. Stone previously spent fifteen years in afternoons at Rock 106.7 KBPI as ‘Uncle Nasty’ from 1997 to 2012 and returned to the company in January 2017. In between he worked at 107.1 KXDE during its Variety Hits and Rock formats. He also has worked at KLOL Houston, KSJO San Jose, KBER Salt Lake City, and KFMX Lubbock in his career. Stone wrote, “I’ll miss you all. Thank you for listening and allowing me to be a part of your day.”
Des Moines IA
Chloe Tyson has exited as afternoon host at CHR “107.5 Kiss-FM” KKDM after three years. Tyson shared, “I’m so grateful for all the opportunities I’ve had, for my listeners, coworkers and endorsement partners. Thank you for 3 amazing years in Des Moines. The future is very uncertain but I am excited for what is next.” Prior to joining KKDM, she programmed WITZ Jasper IN, hosted afternoons at WFMG Richmond IN, and weekends at WNOU Indianapolis.
Sports 1460 KXNO/106.3 KXNO-FM and its network of affiliates across the state has dropped “The 1st Quarter” hosted by Heather Burnside and Alec Busse and producer Tyler Allen that aired from 6-9am and the afternoon drive “Off The Bench with Sean Roberts and Lucas Strain”. Roberts also served as Program Director of KXNO, while Burnside hosted middays on Variety Hits “100.3 The Bus” KDRB.
Trent Condon exits his brokered 10am-12pm show on KXNO/KXNO-FM and the “Iowa Sports Network” after what the company called “controversial” statements following the departure of the remainder of the station’s staff. Condon’s co-host Ken Miller was set to retire last Friday with Nick Marovets to replace him today. Condon wrote, “My days at KXNO are over. My comments were considered “controversial” from corporate about my colleagues that were let go. I stand by what I said. I am still incredibly sad that Ken Miller didn’t get his final show after starting sports talk in Iowa 30 years ago. Thank you for listening and showing that local sports talk matters. You can still hear me daily on @LockedOnIowa & have already had conversations with many outlets. I’m here to listen to any and all ideas. As media evolves, I will evolve with it. Thank you to the my clients and sponsors as we work together to find what and where’s next. And to my friends, colleagues and family, thank you for your kind words. Talk to you all soon.”
Emery Songer departs his role as 9-11am host at News/Talk 1040 WHO and 600 WMT Cedar Rapids. Songer originally joined WHO in 2018 as morning show producer. He would move to Omaha in 2023 to host afternoons at 1110 KFAB until earlier this year. He would begin his current “Emery On Iowa” program on WHO and WMT in August 2024. He shared, “Dear friends, today marks the end of my time as a host for iHeartMedia. It’s been an unbelievable journey and I’m incredibly grateful. I had the opportunity to try things I never imagined I’d get to do. I’ll never forget the experience of rubbing shoulders with broadcasting legends and meeting incredible people in Des Moines, Omaha, and beyond. Thank you to everyone who helped me along the way at 1040 WHO, including Van Harden, Bonnie Lucas, Amy Sweet, Max Schaeffer, Jeff Angelo, Bob Quinn, Simon Conway, Nathan Fischer, and so many others. The same goes for the producers, sales staff, and my endorsement partners across every station I’ve been fortunate enough to call home. I’m excited to see what’s next and look forward to continuing to tell stories, connect with communities, and build new relationships. Most of all, thank you to everyone who listened, supported me, and encouraged me over the years. I’ll still be around, enjoying as much of this life as humanly possible.”
Eau Claire WI
Dave DeVille exits as cluster SVP/Programming and morning host at CHR “Z100” WBIZ-FM after 20 years. Deville can be reached at [email protected].
Erie PA
‘Jessica Curry’ Carlson exits as PD/afternoon host on CHR “Star 104” WRTS. Curry joined the station as morning co-host in 2001 and moved to afternoons in 2021. As part of a post, she wrote, “I will forever be grateful to the Erie community for not only accepting me but embracing me. You all made me feel so loved and I loved all of you right back! I thank you Erie for giving me the honor and privilege of serving you for so many years! It was a wonderful and memorable journey that I will hold dear and cherish always!”
Alan Carpenter departs his roles at Variety Hits “94.7 Bob-FM” WXBB and Classic Rock “Rocket 105” WRKT after 32 years with the stations. Carpenter wrote, “As people are starting to find out, my time with iHeart Radio (and therefore Rocket 105 and 947 BOB FM) has come to an end. I had been on the BOB frequency since 1994, when it was Froggy 94. And when I came to Rocket twenty years ago, it was as a huge fan of the station. Through it all, one thing remained constant: You, the Erie audience. Welcoming, devoted, and fun. If I improved your day, made you laugh, provided you with information that helped you, or played that song that hits you deep, it has been my privilege to do so. THANK YOU. The best listeners in the world live on the shores of this lake. For me…onward and upward.”
Fort Myers/Port Charlotte FL
“The Freak Show” hosted by ‘Flyin Brian’ Jameson, Nicole Hernandez, and DJ Rifik is out at Rhythmic CHR “105.5 The Beat” WBTT after a 25 year run.
Hernandez shared, “This is just a pit stop, not the destination. For now, expect polls, questionable life updates, and me pretending my errands are scenes from a reality show. I’ve gone from morning radio to morning coffee on the couch, and honestly… the ratings are strong.”
Todd Matthews is out after after 33 years in mornings at “Kix Country 92.9” WIKX Port Charlotte. He also hosted middays at Soft AC “Seaview 104.9” WCVU since 2016 and for the past year afternoons at Classic Hits “95.3 The Beach” WOLZ Fort Myers. Matthews can be reached at [email protected].
Fresno CA
The Fresno Bee reports that Trevor Carey has exited as afternoon host on Conservative Talk “Power Talk 96.7” KALZ after a decade run. He can be reached at [email protected].
‘Jizzo’ exits as afternoon host at Rhythmic CHR “B95” KBOS as well as tracking for Rhythmic CHR stations across the country including KPEZ Austin and KXJM Portland after 21 years with the company.
RAMP adds additional exits in Fresno include KALZ and “Fox Sports 1340” KCBL Program Director Chris Squires and KALZ and Fresno State University sports producer Ryan Westenberg.
Grand Forks ND>
Trevor D departs as morning host at CHR “XL 93” KKXL after 23 years in the daypart after previously interning and then hosting nights. He shared, “For those who don’t know, I moved to Grand Forks to attend the University of North Dakota back in the 90s (no need for an ‘old’ joke please). Soon thereafter, I became an unpaid intern at XL-93. I took over the night show a couple of years later, then in 2003, with no experience and not much knowledge “The Trevor D in the Morning Show” was born. I have had numerous opportunities to leave, but for whatever reason, I remained in Grand Forks every time. I have got to work with so many amazing people in this city who aren’t like family to me… They are family. I don’t want to name names because there are so many. Over the years, I have developed relationships with so many great listeners. I thought when the time came to say goodbye, I would have one final chance to say it on the Radio. Unfortunately, I was not given an opportunity to do that. So, from the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU for letting me be part of your lives for such a long time. I know there are still Great Radio Companies in Canada and the United States that truly do value their employees, and still believe in ‘Live and Local Radio’. I look forward to working with one of these companies in the Future. (I kind of have to do Radio since I have no tangible skills to do anything else). Thank you all for allowing me to be part of your lives.”
Harrisburg PA
Mike Miller departs as VP/Programming and afternoon host at Country “Bob 94.9” WRBT after 28 years with the company. Miller previously programmed CHR “99.3 Kiss-FM” WHKF Harrisburg and “Z104.3” WZFT Baltimore and was APD/MD of KKRZ Portland during his tenure.
Honolulu
Shayla Torres exits as evening host at Hawaiian “Island 98.5” KDNN after a decade with the station. Torres shared, “Almost 10 years ago, I walked into Island 98.5 with big dreams and no idea where this journey would take me. Today, with a full heart, I am saying goodbye. These last 9½ years have given me memories I’ll carry forever. The people I’ve met, the experiences I’ve had, and the lessons I’ve learned have changed my life in ways I’ll always be grateful for. Goodbyes are never easy, especially when you’re leaving something you love. But I’ve learned that faith means trusting God even when you don’t know what’s next.
Mahalo to everyone at iHeartRadio, my radio family, and every listener who welcomed me into their lives. Thank you for making this journey unforgettable. This isn’t the end of my story. It’s just the beginning of a new one. ❤️”
Curt Williams exits as afternoon host at AC 92.3 KSSK after 32 years with the station. Williams can be reached at [email protected].
Houston
Amanda Flores exits as midday host at AC “Sunny 99.1” KODA as well as “Star 102.1” KDGE Dallas and multiple other stations across the country. She wrote, “I was laid off yesterday from I Heart Media. I’d like to thank every one of you who listened to me on air in the RGV, Houston, Dallas, Sacramento, San Antonio, Portland. You were always the best part of my day and why I pursued radio all these years. I was able to accomplish so much. Great ratings, build a station from the ground up, a Marconi Award, raising millions of dollars for St Jude. So lots of emotions. I’m upset, disappointed, sad because I know I will miss you so much. Again, thank you for letting me keep you company every on air shift. Love you bye.”
Cole Thompson has exited mornings at “Sports Talk 790” KBME. He and Dan Mathews took over the morning slot last November after he previously served as producer for KBME’s “The A Team” afternoon show and hosting “The Night Cap” from 6-7pm. He joined the station in 2024 after previously hosting shows for SportsMap Radio and “SEC Unfiltered”.
Indianapolis
Erica ‘Ms. E-Klass’ Coleman departs afternoons at Hip Hop “Real 98.3” WZRL Indianapolis and “Real 93.1” WTFX Louisville as well as shows in multiple other markets. She wrote, “Welp, today was officially my last day on the air… for now. I was impacted by the latest round of layoffs at iHeartMedia. I’ve been in radio since 2007 and on the air since 2010. In all those years, this is the first time I’ve experienced something like this, and if I’m being honest, I’m still trying to wrap my head around it. Whether you listened in Indianapolis, Louisville, Atlanta, Columbus, Detroit, Nashville, Raleigh, Memphis, or anywhere else along this iHeart journey, thank you.” She previously held roles at multiple Cumulus Media stations from 2015 to 2024 including WRWM Indianapolis, WRBO Memphis, WWKX Providence and Westwood One’s Classic Hip Hop network. She also spent seven years at Radio One Indianapolis’s WHHH and WTLC-FM.
Lexington KY
Nathan Nelson departs as VP/Programming and PD/afternoon host at Country “98.1 The Bull” WBUL and until recently 97.5 WAMZ Louisville. He also served as Director of Imaging for multiple iHeart stations and clusters. Nelson had been with the cluster since 2010 rising from part-time board op/producer. He can be reached at [email protected].
DeAnn Stephens departs as co-host of the “Officer Dan & DeAnn” morning show at Country “98.1 The Bull” WBUL after eighteen years. Stephens wrote, “What a fun run it has been! ‘Officer Don and DeAnn’ in the mornings! The perfect gig that allowed me to raise my girls, be the homeroom Mom along the way, and focus on what really matters in life. I’ve met some great people, been blessed with some really cool experiences, and made a best friend in Don Evans. We’ve spent every weekday morning together for the past 18 years, and will be best of friends for the rest of our lives.” Stephens can be reached at [email protected].
Little Rock AR
Bo Dalton is out as afternoon host at the statewide trio of Country 95.7 KSSN Little Rock, “Kix 104.1” KKIX Fayetteville, and 99.1 KMAG Fort Smith after a seven year run with the company.
Louisville
Nick Coffey exits mornings at News/Talk 840 WHAS after one year. Coffey moved to mornings at WHAS in June 2025 after a decade hosting at Sports 790 WKRD. As part of an update he shared, “After finishing my show Tuesday morning, I was told that I was one of the hundreds of employees impacted by another round of iHeartMedia layoffs as the company continues to restructure. Radio Insight has described the layoffs as the biggest purge in the history of the industry. Forty-eight hours later, I’m still not sure it’s really set in that, after more than a decade with the company, I’ve hosted my last radio show on WKRD and WHAS. Stunned. Empty. Lost. Sad. Those are just a few of the emotions I’ve felt over the last couple of days. But what I can tell you is that I don’t have a single regret about the way I approached this job. Not one day did I take for granted the opportunity to live out my dream.”
Tony ‘TNT’ Tilford departs as Director of Rock Programming for the Kentucky/Indiana Region, a role he held since May 2016. Tilford previously has held roles including Regional SVP/Programming for the company’s Southwest Ohio/Indiana Region and Program Director of WMMS Cleveland and WTUE Dayton.
Miami
Doc Reno exits afternoons at Classic Rock “Big 105.9” WBGG-FM after 24 years. Reno was also heard on Classic Rock stations across the country for the company and hosted a weekend animal show on 610 WIOD. Reno can be reached at [email protected].
Minneapolis
Jon Justice exits mornings at Conservative Talk “Twin Cities News Talk” 1130 KTLK after a decade. Justice told Alpha News, “It was a great run at KTLK iHeart. I’ve made some amazing friends along the way and I am excited for what comes next.”
Country Aircheck reports that Amy James has exited middays at Country “K102” KEEY as well as tracking stations nationally.
Monterey/Salinas CA
Sam ‘Diggedy’ Segovia exits as Regional VP/Programming and host of the “Morning Madhouse” on Rhythmic CHR 102.5 KDON. Segovia had been in his roles at KDON since 2002 gradually adding more regional oversight stretching to markets including Fresno after previously spending five years at the company’s San Francisco cluster.
Myrtle Beach SC
Brodie departs as PD/afternoon host at CHR “Mix 97.7” WWXM, 104.7 WNOK Columbia, and “97.3 Kiss-FM” WAEV Savannah GA. Brodie joined WWXM in 2019 after a decade as APD/MD/morning host at 95.7 KCHZ Kansas City.
Mobile AL/Pensacola FL
Brian ‘Crash’ Edwards has exited as cluster VP/Programming and Program Director and afternoon host at Rock “TK 101” WTKX-FM and “Rock 102” KWNW Memphis, and midday host at Classic Rock “96.1 The Rocket” WRKH Mobile.
New York
Josh Martinez exits as night host at CHR “Z100” WHTZ and “103.5 Kiss-FM” WKSC Chicago. Martinez joined WHTZ in May 2021 after four years as APD/MD and later PD of “Kiss 107.1” WKFS Cincinnati. Martinez also programmed “Hot 95.7” KOSY Cedar Rapids and worked on-air in Des Moines since starting his career in New York at WKTU.
Oklahoma City
Jeff ‘J-Rod’ Blackburn departs his dual roles as PD/afternoon host at Classic Rock “Q94.7” KOKQ and co-host of the “TJ, Amanda & J-Rod” morning show on CHR “KJ 103” KJYO. J-Rod returned to the cluster in 2010 after exiting from a previous stint the year before. He posted, “Life is comedy sometimes. Funny I saw this after what happened to me on Tuesday. Lots of calls, and people reaching out. It’s the same old “song and dance.” People always want to help, but then fade as the “sting” goes away. Am I sad? I was. Am I mad? I was. Do I care? Yes. What’s next for me? Who knows. For now I focus on family, friends, and figuring out how to laugh again. This doesn’t define who I am. I decide who I am. Not radio. But keep the good vibes coming.”
Kathi Yeager departs as evening host on Classic Country “96.1 KXY” KXYY-FM and national Classic Country stations. She can be reached at [email protected].
Phoenix
Country Aircheck reports that Lois ‘Double L’ Lewis is out as APD/MD/midday host at Country 102.5 KNIX. Lewis also hosted middays at KWNR Las Vegas where she previously served as APD/MD. She has also worked as Senior Director of Regional Promotion for Republic Nashville and MD/Night host at KIIM Tucson. She can be reached at [email protected].
Pittsburgh
Travis Marzina departs as midday host at Rock/Alternative “105.9 The X” WXDX and night host at Country “Big 104.7” WPGB. Marzina joined the company in 2014 as an intern for the WDVE morning show. He told RadioInsight, I was really passionate about these brands in particular as a Pittsburgh native and loved working for iHeart.” Marzina can be reached at [email protected].
PBRTV.com reports that Val Porter has exited afternoons at Classic Hits “94.5 3WS” WWSW and nights on Classic Rock 102.5 WDVE. Porter has been with the cluster since 1994. She served as MD of WDVE from 1999-2024 and co-hosted mornings at WDVE from 2001-24 when she moved to mornings at WWSW. She would then move to afternoons in April.
Russ ‘Whip’ Rose exits weekends at Rock/Alternative “105.9 The X” WXDX. Rose began his tenure with the station in 1995 hosting overnights and hosted middays until moving to part-time in 2021.
Poughkeepsie NY
Jeremiah Wood exits afternoons at CHR “96.1 Kiss-FM” WPKF and “102.3 Kiss-FM” WKKF Albany after three years. Wood previously spent six years at Pamal Broadcasting’s Hudson Valley cluster and hosted afternoons at WILN Panama City FL. He wrote, “I’m sad, but I’m also grateful. Grateful for the listeners who would tune in every day. Grateful for the amazing people I worked with at iHeart Hudson Valley. Grateful that I got to host afternoons and do it how I wanted. I so wish that I could have ended things on my own terms, but that’s baseball Suzyn. I’m gonna be sad for the rest of the day and then tomorrow we’ll get back at it. So what’s next? Well, there’s 19 kids I need to mentally prepare myself to say goodbye to for the summer. And we start working on the next time I can talk to you on the radio.”
Beth Christy exits middays at Country 107.3 WRWD after seven years. Christy began her career at WRWD in the mid 90s and later had a long run in afternoons at Townsquare Media’s “94.3 The Wolf” WKXP.
‘Uncle Mike’ Hansen departs weekends, fill-ins, and promotions at 107.3 WRWD after fifteen years. He wrote, “It’s been said that all good things come to an end. For me today this is true. My time with IHeart Radio is over. Massive layoffs across the country have hit us hard here in the Hudson Valley. I’m grateful for the run I had & the incredible family at IHeart Media of the Hudson Valley. The People & Organizations I’ve been humbled & honored to meet and be involved with mean more to Tina & I then You could possibly imagine. This is not the end but a new beginning & can’t wait to hit the ground running. See You out & about soon but if not I’ll catch You on the radio.”
Quad Cities IL-IA
Pat Leuck & Dani Howe are out as morning hosts at Country 103.7 WLLR after over 30 years together. Howe, who also hosted afternoons at KKSY Cedar Rapids, said, “The day I dreaded just happened. After the high of celebrating 30 years at WLLR, the run is over. Today was the last Leuck and Howe Morning Show. I can’t even begin to thank all of you who made my mornings the highlight of my day. I miss you already and the celebrations we had every day. I do consider myself very lucky to have been in one place for so many years. I feel the QC is my second forever home. Thank you for so many wonderful memories! Even though I won’t be at our normal location at the Fair this year, I do hope you’ll stop by to see me with my band at the Oldies tent. And maybe catch me around in other spots this summer…I’d love to see you and catch up!”
Mark Manuel departs as Program Director/afternoon host at Classic Hits “Big 106.5” KCQQ and Classic Rock “100.7 The Fox” KKRQ Cedar Rapids. He previously served as APD of KCQQ and webmaster for the iHeartMedia Quad Cities cluster before rising to PD in June 2020. He has worked in the market since 1993 and has also worked in Des Moines, Southern Maryland and Madison during his career. He shared, “I just want to thank all of YOU for listening thru the years, whether it was on the old 103.7 KUUL-FM, Mix 96, All Hit 98-9, KUUL-FM (again), WOC-AM, Q106.5, and now BIG 106.5…as well as my Iowa City friends with 100.7 The Fox. I have learned more in the past 6 years as a multi-market program director than I did in the previous 35 years of my career. I’m sure I’ll turn up (like a bad penny) on your radio dial somewhere…or, with all this weight I’ve lost, maybe I’ll give TV a shot!”
Providence RI
Kristin Lessard and Steve Kelly depart mornings at Classic Hits “B101” WWBB after eight years together in mornings. Lessard, who also hosted middays on Hot AC “Now 93.3” WSNE, had been with the cluster since 2005. Kelly was also Production Director for iHeartMedia Hartford and Providence and spent seventeen years in afternoons at Country 102.5 WKLB Boston from 1998 to 2015. Lessard can be reached at [email protected] and Kelly at [email protected].
Reading/Lancaster PA
Leah Tyler departs after eighteen years as midday host at Variety Hits “Y102” WRFY and 1-4pm host at CHR “FM 97” WLAN-FM. Tyler also served as Production Director on the national programming team.
Damian Rhodes departs as afternoon host at WLAN-FM after 24 years at the station. He shared, “Well, I had a great run! After 24 years at FM97, today was my last day. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to meet so many great artists over the years, had many fun experiences, and always enjoyed meeting our listeners in person.”
Riverside CA
Evelyn Erives joined Rhythmic CHR KGGI as morning co-host in 2002 where she would remain for 20 years until moving to middays in 2022. She also was Public Service Director for the cluster, oversaw programming for the company’s stations in Temecula CA, and was a weekend/fill-in host at AC 103.5 KOST Los Angeles. She can be reached at [email protected].
KGGI afternoon host Garrison King held multiple roles during his time with the station including morning show producer and hosting nights and overnights. He can be reached at [email protected].
KGGI night host Nick Nack had originally been with the station from 2002-2020 as a mixer and later Mix Show Coordinator before returning to host nights. He’s available at [email protected].
Roanoke VA
Scott Stevens departs as SVP/Programming for Roanoke & Lynchburg and afternoon host at Country 107.9 WYYD. Stevens joined iHeart in 2014 after a previous tenure at Cumulus Media. Stevens can be reached at [email protected].
Rochester NY
Jeremy Newman is out as midday host at “Country 100.5” WDVI and afternoon co-host on “Rock 95.1” WAIO. He joined the company in 2021 following WDVI’s flip to Country after previously co-hosting mornings on Audacy’s 92.5 WBEE. He stated that he recently told the company he intended to relocate home to Texas when he contract was up in October after 22 years in Rochester.
Mark Maira is out as evening host at “Rock 95.1” WAIO. Maira has held multiple roles at the cluster over the past five years after previously serving as Production/Imaging Director and afternoon co-host at Stephens Media Group Alternative “94.1 The Zone” WZNE.
Julie Dunn exits as PD/afternoon host of “Country 100.5” WDVI and AC “Y94” WYYY Syracuse and PD of others including WBBS Syracuse and WMXW Binghamton. She previously served as morning co-host at WDVI when it was Hot AC “Mix 100.5“. Dunn can be reached at [email protected].
Salisbury MD
Jon ‘Whiskey’ Wilson and Randy Scott exit mornings at Country “Froggy 99.9” WWFG after fifteen years. The duo also were heard in afternoons at 94.7 WDSD Dover DE. The duo shared, “What a ride! 15+ years of the Whiskey & Randy Show came to an end as of last Wednesday, June 24th. It became ‘official’ today. We have so much to be thankful for. Mostly, YOU. We’re so proud of YOU. We were able to accompish so much good in our community over the last 15 years together.”
Salt Lake City
Patrick ‘DB’ Essex exits days before his 30th anniversary as part of morning shows in the cluster. Essex started as “Dangerboy” at CHR 97.1 KZHT from 1996 to 2016 when he moved over to Rock 106.7 KAAZ as part of the “Hooker & DB” show. The show was previously syndicated to other iHeart stations including WEGR Memphis. Following Hooker’s exit last year, Essex moved to middays at KAAZ.
Seattle
Chris Kidd has exited as producer of “The Gregg Bell Show” in middays at Sports 93.3 KJR-FM.
Sioux City IA
Justin Crawford departs Rock “Z98” KSEZ after 26 years. He shared, “This is a post I knew would eventually have to come, and honestly I knew they’d have to take the mic out of my cold skinny hands, loved that place too much to give it up voluntarily. 26 years! When I think back its incredible…the talented individuals I’ve had the pleasure of working with, laughing with and learning from. Best friends who were like family, roommates, weddings, funerals, births and seeing people’s kids grow up…and also having to watch them all leave over time. Hell this is my 2nd time getting the ax! Laid off for about 6 months in 2011 so I’m better prepared mentally this time, but still hurts the soul…I got Z98 in my blood years ago.”
Spokane WA
Dawn Marcel exits middays at AC “98.1 Kiss-FM” KISC. Marcel had returned to the station in 2022 after being included in a previous layoff in December 2020. Her Facebook bio says, “I was the midday radio personality on KISS 98.1 in Spokane but was recently laid off by iHeart, dangit!”
Springfield MA
Chris Zito exits mornings at Hot AC “Mix 93.1” WHYN-FM and AC 96.1 WSRS Worcester after fourteen years. Zito has also held morning show roles in his career at WODS, WZOU and WKLB Boston, WPLT Detroit, and WXLO Worcester MA.
Country Aircheck reports that Kevin Johnson exits as VP/Programming and afternoon host on Hot AC “Mix 93.1” WHYN-FM. He can be reached at [email protected].
Springfield MO
Clint ‘Girlie’ Gerlek exits as cluster VP/Programming after a nineteen year run. Gerlek was currently also heard in middays on Country “100.5 The Wolf” KSWF and afternoons on Hot AC “Alice 95.5” KTOZ. During his tenure he also hosted mornings at KSWF and AC 105.9 KGBX.
St. Louis
Tony Mott exits as afternoon host on Classic Hits 103.3 KLOU and weekends/fill-ins on Country “93.7 The Bull” KSD-FM. Previously known as “The Whipping Boy”, Mott was part of “The Woody Show” at KPNT St. Louis, KITS San Francisco, and KYSR Los Angeles. He wrote, “Well I hate to say it, but it was a good run. I am no longer employed. It was fun, and thanks to all that made it that way. In this journey I was able to take steps outside my comfort zone and I am better for it. Now I can finally start on my novel.”
BJ Holiday departs middays at Gospel “Hallelujah 1600” KATZ and weekends on Hip Hop “100.3 The Beat” KATZ-FM after 41 years with the company. During his tenure, Holiday was heard on-air on multiple stations, served as Program Director and Community Affairs Director. He also was heard on weekends on the company’s Gospel stations.
Dustin ‘Haze’ Monroe exits as APD/afternoon host on CHR “Z107.7” KSLZ.
Sussex NJ
James Borasio exits as morning host at Classic Rock 103.7 WNNJ and afternoon host on Country “106.3 The Bear” WHCY after a 14 year run. He can be reached at [email protected].
Steve Allan departs as from his multiple roles including PD/afternoon host at AC 102.3 WSUS after twelve and a half years. Allan also programmed WKKF/WTRY-FM/WRVE-HD2 Albany, WBWZ/WCTW/WPKF/WZCR Poughkeepsie, and WNNJ/WHCY Sussex and was Director Of Talent Content for the AC format within the company. He previously spent time at WBMX and WTKK Boston and can be reached at [email protected].
Steve Andrews departs mornings at AC 102.3 WSUS. He shared, “Yesterday was my last day on the WSUS Morning Show. All of the local talent on I Heart Radio stations in Sussex lost our jobs yesterday. 46 years on the radio is a nice run. I feel blessed. In 3 days I turn 65 so I was going to retire soon anyway. I will miss all of you who listened and my wonderful radio friends. Steve Allan and Jimmy Borasio you made everyday at work not feel like work. Best of luck guys. Looking forward to my next full time job being a grandpa.”
Tampa
AJ Malone exits as PD/morning co-host at “98 Rock” WXTB. Malone joined WXTB as Assistant Program Director and midday host in August 2017 from iHeartMedia’s Indianapolis cluster where she served as cluster Production Director and midday host at Alternative “Alt 103.3” WOLT and rose to PD a year later. She also spent a decade at Rock “X101.5” WXSR Tallahassee.
West Palm Beach
Curtis Daniels departs as producer/co-host of the “Mo & Sally Show” on AC “Kool 105.5” WOLL and Classic Hits 103.7 WQOL Vero Beach after seventeen years.
This report is being continually updated as more names become known.
Thom Moon 
Larry Cotten 
AlliKat 
Shaun 
Cindy Zschokke 
Herb KC Carson 
phillipdampier 
The idiots who run iHm are doing their absolute best to destroy what’s left of the company. They need to fire their “high-flying” CEO, work out a deal with their creditors to sell off about 3/4 of their stations, actually have sales people on the street, have local people on the air and quit trying to run the company like GM with “assembly divisions” in eight or ten markets. Let the bankers take their haircuts and let some real broadcasters run the stations, not a bunch of post-grad MBA’s who wouldn’t know a microphone from a transmitter. When they start putting some local content and effort into their stations, the bozos might find they’d make some money.
What a load of BS! I’m so glad to no longer be a part of this wretched business.
Me too, i did 5 years with this company, my dad died during that time and there was ZERO compassion. No Christmas party for our staff that killed budgets every month. And you’ve got Market Presidents making ungodly money, as the sales reps deal with dwindling commission.
Data is showing that Gen Z and Alpha are returning to radio for live content from real voices and yet I have no heart media does the opposite.
I’ve been thru it and boy does it suck! It’s an adjustment but you all will come out just fine on the other side of this. It’s hard though because it feels like you lose your identity for awhile. I’m sending out good wishes and thoughts to o everyone.
Not true, the market is depressed and jobs are very hard to come by. It took me a freakin year to find a job and I’m a 25 yr sales veteran! The economy is bad!
I understand that next week they will be laying off hard drives.
Another example why radio deregulation and consolidation has turned radio stations into a commodity product, not a local community focused service (and business).
It is all but certain that as AI models improve, it won’t be long before the new concept of automated radio will mean the demise of many human voices in radio. Wall Street will insist. As listeners drift away, I’m sure the voracious demand for wireless data will one day come for the FM band and begin to shrink that down too.
The way to turn this around is to return to the idea that stations must serve their communities with local programming with a local commitment. Break up corporate warehousing of stations and award licenses to for-profit or non-profits willing to do it. Some stations may be unviable so switch them off. At least what remains will actually matter and have an impact on the communities they actually serve, instead of Wall Street.
Every time I open an industry publication lately, I see another headline about a major radio company cutting jobs, eliminating local programming, consolidating operations, or finding another way to shrink itself.
And frankly, I’m tired of it.
Not because they’re making business decisions—that’s their right. I’m tired because these companies have become the public face of our industry. Every headline tells the world that “radio is dying.”
It’s not.
Those headlines are about corporate strategy, not radio.
As an independent broadcaster, I can tell you radio is very much alive. Radio has provided an incredible living for me, my family, and hundreds of employees over the years. It continues to generate results for advertisers, entertain millions of listeners, and serve communities every single day.
So I have to ask…
If radio is supposedly broken, why are independent broadcasters across America still investing in stations? Why are we hiring? Why are we creating local events? Why are we putting personalities on the air? Why are we growing our businesses while others are shrinking theirs?
Maybe the problem isn’t radio.
Maybe the problem is the business model.
Wall Street measures radio by quarterly earnings. Main Street measures radio by community impact, local relationships, and long-term success.
At JVC, we still believe in live and local. We believe the morning show should know the mayor, the high school football coach, the restaurant owner, and the family that just lost everything in a fire. We believe local salespeople should be out helping businesses grow—not sitting behind a screen selling from another state.
We’re not perfect, but we’ve built our company by investing in people instead of eliminating them.
So here’s my question to the industry:
If one group keeps cutting people, reducing local programming, and telling everyone radio is in decline… while another group continues to invest, serve its communities, and build profitable businesses…
Who’s really doing it wrong?
Radio isn’t the problem.
The way some companies choose to operate it might be.
I’ll keep betting on local radio every single time.
The issue is that not everyone is affected evenly. Along with iHeart, there are two companies along the same size as yours in the upper midwest conducting major cuts this week.
I hear from sales and management across the industry hearing how the advertising market is rapidly collapsing due to inflation, the war in Iran, and the loss of mom and pop businesses.
But how iHeart goes, the industry goes. Since they’re the largest operator if their actions drive advertisers away from radio and to other platforms or gone from advertising altogether it will be harder for competitors of theirs to bring them back. That’s why Bob Pittman is currently on his yacht in Cannes trying to convince advertisers to stay with them.
And they’re being aggressive with the cuts this quarter because they want to goose their balance sheets to sell the radio properties. They thought they had SiriusXM as a buyer, now they’re trying to court others.
This is about private equity and balance sheets as radio stations lose value to Wall Street.
I’m glad John Caracciolo has positive stories to share. I’m glad that the wall of sadness that has been Facebook this week is punctuated by small-market broadcasters with similar stories. I’m always looking to share those stories when I get them. At the same time, there are also small broadcaster stories of struggle like this one that ended up in the comments of one of my stories last week. I’d like to think both advertisers and audience will reward the people who commit to them, but making it happen involves more than just doing the right thing.
This is the beginning of the end for iHeart. They can’t cut enough people to stop the bleeding. The small-market stations will withier and die. The larger-market stations will lose any locality they have left. I live within the Cincinnati coverage area and the iHm stations are generally lousy, unless one likes right-wing tough-guy talk. WEBN was once one of the most creative stations in the country and one of the highest rated. Now look at it. If most of their properties weren’t already pledged as collateral for loans, they ought to just shut them down. That’ll happen soon enough when the current bunch of Wall Street bandits who own them accept taking a haircut.
@phillipdampier regarding AI, I definitely agree with you…
I admit i’ve played around with it(mainly the Google version), just seeing what certain CBS Radio Mystery Theater episodes, or other ideas might be like if different fictional characters were in them, instead of the actual characters… and what the AI spits out, actually sounds like something that could have been an actual book, movie, radio episode, etc.
So I definitely think the media industry has a right to be worried; as far as radio goes, the only things really propping it up are podcasting, audio streaming… anything digital really…
I don’t think radio will ever go back fully to when I was a kid just beginning to listen to it(I was born in 1984, and graduated high school in 2003); it’s sad to even contemplate it, but with two or three companies owning every radio station in a market, what’s the point of doing anything creative, or interesting…
You can use technology to assist in operations at a station or network, but that should be all; human elements, voices should always have a place in radio… but companies like I Heart/Cumulus have forgotten that.