Audacy began a wave of significant layoffs on Thursday affecting employees nationwide. There is expectation that the layoffs will continue into today (Friday). Up to 300 people could be affected as a result. An Audacy spokesperson told Barrett Media on Thursday that the company was making workforce reductions to position itself for a better business future.
“Audacy has made workforce reductions to ensure a strong and resilient future for the business” said Audacy. “We are streamlining resources to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving media landscape and to best position Audacy to continue serving listeners and advertisers with excellence.”
The company continues to restructure following the resignation of CEO David Field in January, and CFO Rich Schmaeling last month. Radio’s second-largest group with over 230 broadcasting brands and a listed 165 million monthly broadcast listeners is just six months removed from emerging from Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Audacy CEO Susan Larkin called an emergency meeting on Tuesday to relay the news. Multiple departments are expected to be impacted within the company.
To view a list of those affected Thursday by the Audacy layoffs, Barrett Media’s coverage can be found here.
Barrett Media can confirm the entire WBBM Newsradio Digital department in Chicago, and former Chicago Market Manager Rachel Williamson have been let go. Williamson’s five years with Audacy elevated her from Regional President and Market Manager to local sales strategy & innovation.
Bo Jaxon, is out as part of the Bee Morning Coffee Club at 92.5 WBEE in Rochester, NY. Jaxon joined Audacy in July 2023 from Cumulus’ KATC in Colorado Springs where he served as program director and morning host. He can be reached here.
Dan Breymeier, exits as music director and night host on 98.5 WKRZ in Wilkes-Barre, PA.
Glenn Anderson, departs his afternoon post on Star 102.1 WDOK in Cleveland after working 30 years in broadcasting. He wrote a lengthy post on Facebook which read in part:
Hey everyone!
Wednesday March 5th was my last day at Star 102.
Our parent company, Audacy, made a lot of difficult decisions this week. Radio is ever-changing, and when you have the coolest job in the world, you live life thinking that it’s all gonna be taken away…And unfortunately, my number was called.
I’m not sure how to recap almost 30 years in this business with the same company, so I will simply say this. Thank you.
Read Anderson’s full post here.
Joe Reder, departs as co-host of “Terry Boyd’s World” on 92.3 KGON in Portand. ‘Jeetz’ was program director previously at 94.7 KZND in Anchorage, AK with stops in Seattle and Las Vegas before that.
Reder posted the following message on his Facebook page.
Well today was certainly eventful. Today was my last day at 92.3 KGON. I came to Portland liking the city, today I’m in absolute love with it. It’s bittersweet. I had an absolute blast co-hosting mornings on one of the west coast’s legendary rock stations. I’m proud that was able to take the stations digital properties from almost nothing, to one of the highest performing in the company. MASSIVE shout out to Ryan Castle, Kim Martinez, and Mark Hamilton for being an incredible support system. And a special shoutout to Terry Boyd for not only being a great host, but becoming a great friend. With all of that said, I’m beyond stoked for my future and open to any and all opportunities. Holler.
Mark Menard, out as web content writer and contributor to News/Talk 870 WWL in New Orleans, LA after nineteen years.
Ryan Gilbert, a digital content producer for Audacy based in Philadelphia is out after almost three years with the company.
Greg Williams, Brand Manager and morning host on KDGS in Wichita is departing. Williams, who oversaw programming on KEYN posted news of his departure to Facebook. Williams can be contacted at here.
Jonathan Alcantara, program director and afternoons host on Mega 102.3 WMQX in Pennsylvania. Prior to the launch of the ‘station ‘La Mega 1023’ in October 2023, Alcantara leased an HD subchannel from Audacy to feed translators as “Mega 95“.
Cindy D’ DeBardelaben, exits as Director of Marketing and midday host on 104.5 The River WRVR in Memphis, TN. DeBardelaben previously has been heard on 94.1 The Wolf and “FM 100” during her over 35 year tenure.
Dennis Fuller, also exits WRVR as afternoon host after 25 years at the station.
Charles Black, leaves his afternoon post on 95.7 R&B in Norfolk, VA after over two decades at the station.
Skye Smith, midday host and National Sales Coordinator at WSTR in Atlanta is out. Smith moved to an on air role in 2020 originally hosting weekends at WSTR before moving up to middays.
Emily Jimenez, a digital managing editor for KRLD in Dallas departs after 7 years with the company.
Malaysia Meador, exits as midday host at WAMO 107.3 and 660 WAMO in Pittsburgh. Malaysia was elevated to middays on WAMO in February 2022.
Elista Hathawary, was the Assistant Brand Manager/ Music Director/ Midday Host on 100.7 The Star in Pittsburgh. She shared the following message to her listeners and followers.
Paul Cannell, Brand Manager and AM Drive Host on Bayou 95.7 in New Orleans. “Gonzo” previously worked as a Brand Manager and Air Talent at WZRH in New Orleans, LA, WRMR in Wilmington, NC, WMFX in Columbia, SC, and WKLR in Richmond, VA. Paul was also Brand Manager of KTUX in Shreveport, LA. Paul can be reached here.
Kannon, exits as assistant program director and afternoons on WSTR in Atlanta. He joined the station in May 2019 after previously hosting mornings in Dallas, and program director of Wired 96.5 in Philadelphia and Music Director/night host in Atlanta. He also hosts the syndicated “Open House Party.” He can be reached here.
J Love, Brand Manager of KMXB Mix 94.1 for nearly a decade and 13 years in the market. Locate him easily at here.
Jerry McKenna, Program Director of Star 94 in Atlanta is out. Previously Jerry worked as Director of Programming for Cape Cod Broadcasting, OM/PD for Cumulus Media Worcester MA, and Program Director stops at WWKX Providence, WQSX, WMKK and WBMX Boston. He has also spent time in the record industry at Columbia and RCA Records and as Hot 100 Chart Manager for Billboard
Heather Rivera, departs as mid-day host on Mix 94.7 in Austin, TX.
Barrett Media will continue to update this story throughout the day as more information becomes available.
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