iHeartMedia Layoffs Continue Into Second Day

iHeartMedia’s latest round of staff layoffs has continued into a second day, following several markets and talent being affected on Tuesday.

If you have been affected by the current reduction in force, you can reach out to our Barrett Media team at john@barrettmedia.com or garrett@barrett.com.

Here is the latest from Barrett Media:

In Denver, Marty Lenz departs as co-host of Colorado’s Morning News on KOA with co-host Jeana Gondek. Lenz came to KOA in January of 2018 from his previous stint with KCBS in San Francisco, where he spent seven years as a news anchor. A graduate of Colorado State, he is on the search for his next steps. You can contact Lenz at contactlenz@comcast.net.

In Houston, Sean Salisbury has departed SportsTalk 790. He spent the past eight years with the outlet, most recently serving as morning drive host from 6-10 AM in the market.

In Milwaukee, 97.3 The Game has begun trimming their roster as morning hosts Steve Czaban and Brian Butch have departed. Czaban joined 97.3 The Game in 2019, just six months after the iHeartMedia owned station flipped from contemporary hits music to sports talk. He hosted nationally syndicated programs for FOX Sports Radio, Yahoo Sports Radio, Sporting News Radio, and ESPN Radio among others. Butch joined Czaban in mornings early in 2024. The former professional basketball player from Wisconsin also serves as an analyst on the Big Ten Network and FOX Sports. He also serves as an analyst on the Wisconsin Badgers men’s basketball broadcasts.

This morning, listeners awoke to No BS with Bill Schmid and Armen Saryan, who originally hosted weekdays from 9am-12pm. Schmid and Saryan did not address directly what the plans were for their new timeslot nor Czaban and Butch’s absence, but did say that they are unaware of what the long-term plans are for the timeslot and station.

Along with Czaban and Butch, 97.3 Program Director Tim Scott has also departed the station after signing a new multi-year contract earlier this year. Scott was with the company since 1998, serving in several roles, as well as a key figure in bringing the broadcast rights for the Green Bay Packers to iHeartMedia beginning in 2022.

Also exiting 97.3 The Game is Matt Schneidman, who hosted an evening show alongside Doug Russell focused on the Green Bay Packers.

In Los Angeles, Clay Roe is out as imaging director at KFI AM 640. Roe has been with the radio station since 1999 while also imaging and copywriting for the iHeartMedia news/talk group of stations nationally. He provided his extensive services as well to Premiere Radio Network’s N/T Ammo Imaging service. He is on the search for his next steps and is willing to relocate. You can contact Roe at clayroe@gmail.com.

Also departing KFI AM 640 is Later with Mo’Kelly. The program aired from 7-10 PM, with Mo’Kelly hosting a “variety” show on the station. Both he and his producer, Tawala Sharp, have departed. Mo’Kelly joined the station in a full-time capacity in January 2023.

Additionally, Real 92.3 host Chuck Dizzle is exiting the hip-hop station. He helmed overnights, and shared a video on social media revealing his departure.

In St. Louis, Judi Diamond has departed her role on 103.3 KLOU as part of the Billy & Judi In The Morning Show after six years. Her previous stops include include as an executive producer and on-air personality at 92.3 WIL, as well as stints with LaSalle-Peru Broadcasting and Midwest Family Broadcasting in Rockford, Illinois. Judi can be reached via LinkedIn or rdhdnit@gmail.com.

In Philadelphia, the Rise & Grind Morning Show at Power 99 has exited. We previously reported that MutahaKnows, one of the members of the cast, had exited. Now, it has been revealed that Mikey Dredd, who spent 30 years at the station, has been let go. Co-host Roxy Romeo is staying with the station and will move to a different daypart. DJ Diamond Kuts has yet to share any information publicly.

In Seattle, longtime 102.5 KZOK morning host Sara Schiller has departed the rock station. She joined the station alongside Danny Bonaduce in 2011. She was later paired with BJ Shea before helming mornings by herself since October of last year. During her career, she’s also spent time working in Philadelphia, New York, Boston, and nationally on SiriusXM, among others.

In Nashville, Amani “Mani Millss” Cuyler is departing 101.1 The Beat. She served as the Music Director and midday host of the hip-hop station after spending the past seven years at the station. Just last month, she had been added to 96.1 The Beat in Atlanta. She was also heard on iHeartMedia stations in Savannah and Milwaukee, among others.

In Atlanta, 94.9 The Bull and Power 105.3 host Otis has exited. He helmed afternoons from 2-6 PM on Power 105.3, while hosting evenings on 94.9 The Bull. He was also working as a national air talent for the company.

In Cincinnati, ESPN 1530’s Tony Pike has announced his exit from the sports station. He hosted Cincy 360 alongside Austin Elmore, who remains in the daypart, from 12-3 PM. “I’m still processing everything and sorting through the emotions that come with change. I don’t know exactly what’s next, but I’m excited to find out,” Pike said in a statement published to social media.

In Manchester, New Hampshire, Trudy Sutherland has departed after 14 years as a senior marketing specialist with the organization. She previously spent more than 16 years with the New Hampshire Business Review. She can be reached at TrudyASutherland@gmail.com.

*** This is a developing story. More information will be provided as it becomes available. ***

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BNM Staff