iHeartMedia Makes Nationwide Layoffs Amid Restructuring

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, November 4, 2024

iHeartMedia

In a sweeping move, iHeartMedia has initiated a major wave of layoffs, marking its most substantial staff reduction since January, 2020. The company is adopting a new operational framework aimed at centralizing many of its day-to-day activities to a national programming team, impacting various local and regional positions across the U.S.

The layoffs have affected well-known industry figures and air talent in multiple cities. In Boston, after less than six months, The Rich Shertenlieb Show has been terminated at Classic Rock WZLX-FM. Boston Region President Alan Chartrand, with a radio career starting in 1984, is also among the significant exits.

In Chicago, morning host Angi Taylor was let go from WCHI-FM (Rock 95.5), a position she took over after the station's format flip in September, 2020. Similarly, in Cleveland, Bill Squire and Mary Santora from the "Alan Cox Show" on Hot Talk/Rock 100.7 WMMS have been dismissed.

This restructuring extends to market management levels affecting various departments, including promotions and sales teams. Notably, Patrick Davis in Dallas, with 20 years under his belt, departs from his role as Senior VP/Programming and PD at CHR KHKS-FM (106.1 Kiss FM).

Denver saw the departure of Alfred 'Big Al' Williams from the afternoon slot at News/Talk KOA, alongside Michael Coover and Brandon Krisztal, further indicating the depth of the cuts.

Many departing staff have expressed gratitude and disappointment, noting the abrupt nature of the layoffs. Alfred Williams acknowledged his colleagues at KOA for their support over the years, while Angi Taylor thanked her program director for his leadership at WCHI-FM.

From Honolulu where Becky Mits left her morning show at Rhythmic CHR KUBT (93.9 The Beat) to Tampa where John Mamola was ousted as the Program Director of News/Talk 970 WFLA and Sports 1250/95.3 WDAE, the cuts span coast to coast, underlining a significant downsizing across the board.

In Washington, DC, Paul Jaxon and Lisa Berigan from Classic Rock WBIG-FM (Big 100) were also let go, highlighting the national scale of this organizational change.