iHeartMedia Begins Programming Restructuring

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, June 24, 2026 | 9:48pm CT

iHeartMedia

iHeartMedia has begun a sweeping restructuring of its programming organization that includes staff reductions across dozens of markets as the company works toward an additional $50 million in annualized cost savings announced earlier this year.

The restructuring follows iHeartMedia's first-quarter announcement that it would launch a new cost-saving initiative in the second half of 2026, adding $50 million in annualized savings to the $100 million in previously announced reductions already planned or underway. Industry reports indicate the latest layoffs affect employees in programming and on-air roles across multiple markets, although the company has not disclosed the number of positions eliminated.

In a memo to employees, Multiplatform Group CEO Ann Marie Licata and Chief Programming Officer Tom Poleman said the changes are intended to modernize how the company programs its stations by leveraging technology developed over the past several years.

"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," the executives wrote. "We're now moving to scale this approach, implementing structural changes within our Programming organization and expanding responsibilities for key leaders."

According to the memo, the restructuring is designed to strengthen support for local communities and sales teams, make greater use of technology, improve operational speed across markets, and position the company for future growth. While emphasizing that "Guaranteed Human" talent remains central to iHeartMedia's strategy, the executives acknowledged that existing positions would be eliminated even as new roles are created to support the company's evolving needs.

Industy reports have confirmed layoffs in markets including Anchorage, Indianapolis, Louisville, St. Louis, Springfield, Birmingham, Pensacola, Phoenix, Little Rock, Denver, Pittsburgh, Des Moines, Allentown and Rochester. Among those reportedly departing are programmers, market executives and air personalities.

Reports also suggest additional layoffs continued into Tuesday, with sources indicating the overall reduction in programming and on-air staff could rival or exceed the scale of iHeartMedia's major workforce reductions in 2009 and 2020. The company has not confirmed those reports or provided an updated total of affected employees.