Birmingham, AL-based SummitMedia implemented significant layoffs across its nine markets this past Friday.
SummitMedia owns 45 radio stations in nine markets,. While few names have surfaced thus far, the cuts are believed to impact Birmingham, Greenville, Honolulu, Louisville, Omaha, Richmond, Springfield, Tucson, and Wichita.
The departures include Mike Sanders, Program Director and midday host at Country 104.7 Birmingham. Sanders shared, “My journey as Program Director and midday personality at WZZK 104.7 with SummitMedia Birmingham has come to an unexpected pause.”
Sanders arrived in Birmingham in May 2004. Other career stops include Nashville, Clarksville, TN, Cookeville, TN, Denver, Idaho Falls, Jacksonville and Savannah.
Also, out in the Birmingham cluster after 25 years is Creative Content and Production Manager Mike McKenzie. McKenzie posted on Facebook, “After 25 years with the same set of call letters, regardless of who owned them, I’ve been let go.” Yeah, it’s scary as hell. It was a good ride and all that. But figuring out what I can do next—and finding out in a heck of a hurry—that’s the next step. In my 37-year career, this is the very first time I’ve been laid off.”
Also exiting is Ricky Aaron, afternoon host at Classic Rock 106.9 in Birmingham.
Sanders, McKenzie and Aaron represent three of what is believed to be a substantial number across the company footprint.
If you or someone you know has been impacted by SummitMedia layoffs, please reach out to jeff@barrettmedia.com
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