The last two weeks at KXnO have been simply devastating. The Des Moines sports radio outlet was virtually wiped out as every local show and nearly every talent who comprised the station fell victim to the latest round of layoffs by iHeartMedia. All but one.
Like many smaller markets, KXnO featured talent who bought airtime. Trent Condon fit that model, hosting Miller & Condon in the midday slot from noon to 2 p.m. alongside Ken Miller, the longtime pioneer of sports talk radio in Des Moines.
The afternoon following the layoffs at KXnO, Condon remained. As an independent contractor, his agreement with iHeartMedia Des Moines was centered more on sales than employment. As news of the cuts spread across the Iowa capital, Condon faced a choice. One many talents around the country have unfortunately confronted in the hours, days, and now weeks following another round of layoffs. It’s a choice that occurs far too often in the industry.
To comment or not to comment.
A Difficult Decision
Condon chose to open his program by addressing the massive number of people who were no longer part of the station. Morning drive was gone. Afternoon drive was no longer local. The program director, who had just been promoted last June, was also out. Once again, listeners were left searching for the local voices they connected with each day to discuss their favorite teams.
While Condon wasn’t an official iHeartMedia employee, he considered everyone cut by the company a teammate. He had been part of the station for seven years and had seen reductions in force affect the brand before. He also watched several employees return after public pressure from listeners and clients alike.
This time, lightning wasn’t striking twice. This time, KXnO was cut, and likely for good.
So instead of ignoring the moment or briefly acknowledging the layoffs before moving on, Condon leaned into it. He shared his emotions openly. Honest. Authentic. And yes, somewhat willing to hold the company he worked with accountable.
He spoke about how his heart ached for his friends, teammates, and colleagues. For the listeners, he honored those who lost their jobs by recognizing the work they had done for the audience. No matter your team allegiances, Condon celebrated the people who gave a voice to sports fans throughout the Des Moines community.
It was an amazing, honest, heartfelt tribute to everyone who served the KXnO audience. Days later, Condon also found himself out at KXnO after iHeartMedia reportedly considered his commentary “controversial.”
Over The Line Authenticity?
It’s not an easy line to walk for any talent facing the circumstances Condon encountered. Everyone around him was gone. People who dedicated their time, and cared deeply about the product. I’d be willing to be they also likely took on additional responsibilities without additional compensation. I’ve worked alongside those types of people, and they are by far the absolute best of the industry. Compensation isn’t always the most important thing when your passion is radio. Radio, of any kind, is a public service that entertains, informs, and occasionally provides a laugh along the way.
Now, was there likely language in Condon’s agreement that he violated with his commentary? Probably. However, was the situation Condon found himself in any fault of his own? Did he bear the responsibility of once again being the good soldier, a role he had likely played several times throughout his career?
Condon made his choice and has now paid the ultimate price.
Sports radio is built on the connection between the talent and the listener. That trust is earned through the authenticity of the host. Every survey says it. Every programmer stresses it. Executives across the country sell it. Podcasting built an entire business model around it. Meanwhile, audiences continue to lose trust in media because they believe there isn’t enough authenticity.
Sometimes talent have to be the voice of the listening audience. Sometimes circumstances demand it more than others. And sometimes taking a shot to the chin is warranted. While Condon’s commentary was deemed “controversial” and ultimately cost him his job, how can you not view his comments as doing the job to the highest standard?
The Warning Sign For Talent
Condon’s story serves as a reminder that authenticity in sports radio now comes with a price tag many hosts never had to consider before. The industry has spent decades telling talent to be genuine, build trust, and create authentic relationships with listeners. Yet when those same qualities extend beyond sports and into the realities of the business itself, they can suddenly be viewed as liabilities instead of strengths.
That doesn’t mean authenticity should disappear. It’s the very thing that separates great local hosts from replaceable voices.
But it also means talent today must recognize that every personal opinion, every emotional moment, and every decision to speak candidly about the companies they work for carries more professional risk than ever before.
Condon chose to stand with his colleagues and his audience, and he’ll live with the consequences of that decision. Whether you agree with what he said or not, his experience is another reminder that in today’s sports radio business, authenticity may still be part of the job, but understanding where that authenticity can lead has become just as important.
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.
John Mamola is Barrett Media’s sports editor and daily sports columnist. He brings over two decades of experience (Chicago, Tampa/St Petersburg) in the broadcast industry with expertise in brand management, sales, promotions, producing, imaging, hosting, talent coaching, talent development, web development, social media strategy and design, video production, creative writing, partnership building, communication/networking with a long track record of growth and success. He is a five-time recognized top 20 program director in a major market via Barrett Medi’s Top 20 series and has been honored internally multiple times as station/brand of the year (Tampa, FL) and employee of the month (Tampa, FL) by iHeartMedia. Connect with John by email at John@BarrettMedia.com.
