While stories about what current, former and want-to-be morning shows are saying about the stations are getting lots of traction, the stories overlook a deeper problem not just at “Hot 97” WQHT New York, sister Adult R&B 107.5 WBLS, and parent company MediaCo Holding as a whole.
Last week we began receiving tips from within the radio and music industry of “significant” cuts at the New York stations with most of the support staff including producers, mixers, part-time hosts, and digital content creators either being laid-off or furloughed. One staffer, digital contributor Bryson Paul confirmed his exit. Former morning host Peter Rosenberg noted the end of the station’s Sunday night specialty shows including the Caribbean programming hosted by Bobby Konders and Jabba and one featuring midday host/mixer DJ Drewski, At this point only WQHT’s “Mornings with Mero”, afternoon host Nessa and evening host Funkmaster Flex remain on-air. Similar talent paredowns have taken place at WBLS.
Following a social media post by former WQHT producer Scottie Beam, many freelancers also have come forward stating that the company had not been paying them for services rendered for many months. This has been a recurring theme since MediaCo acquired the stations as the cluster has been a revolving door of behind the scenes talent such as going through multiple Chief Engineers in the past year.
Similar cutbacks have taken place this year at the former Estrella Media properties owned by MediaCo in Dallas, Houston and Los Angeles. The company has not responded to inquiries for comment.
This story will be updated if further details or names become public.
