iHeartMedia Layoffs Impact Minnesota, Oregon Talents

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, November 7, 2024 | 8:52pm CT

Kia Bratz aka Becht

iHeartMedia is continuing with its substantial wave of layoffs affecting key personnel across multiple stations nationwide. Among those impacted are notable radio hosts and directors with ties to Minnesota and Oregon, demonstrating the reach of these cuts. Kia Bratz (aka Becht), who served as Music Director at Minneapolis's Country KEEY-FM (K102), was laid off after dedicating 15 years to the station. Bratz, who climbed the ranks from Promotions Director to Music Director since 2014, is just one of the many casualties of iHeartMedia's recent decisions.

The layoffs also reached other Minnesota-connected air talent, including Angi Taylor, a former co-host at KDWB in Minneapolis, who was dismissed from her current position at Chicago's Rock 95.5. Additionally, Eric "E. White" White, another KDWB alum, was let go from his morning position at CHR KZHT-FM in Salt Lake City after spending over three years working nights in the Twin Cities.

In Portland, the cuts claimed veteran sports reporter Dwight Jaynes, who had been co-hosting "Rip City Drive" on KPOJ-AM (Rip City Radio). Jaynes, a respected figure with more than 20 years as a sports writer and columnist for the Oregon Journal and The Oregonian, announced his departure from radio on November 4.

Reflecting on his exit, Jaynes noted the company's unusual but respectful handling of his layoff, stating, "They told me Monday morning, and offered me the opportunity to come on and do the show Monday afternoon, if I wanted to say goodbye, and reminisce." Opting not to continue on air, Jaynes expressed no complaints and has since begun sharing his sports insights on Substack.