Cumulus Media enacted a round of layoffs this week. On-air and management staff across multiple markets received notice.
What We Know Several Cumulus Media talent and staff have revealed they’ve been part of a company wide reduction in force. These cuts come as the company’s reorganization following approval from a court extend key Chapter 11 deadlines. The broadcaster continues to await FCC approval to complete its restructuring. The FCC’s approval remains the final major step before Cumulus can complete its financial restructuring. Once finalized, the transaction would eliminate roughly $592 million in debt, reduce annual cash interest expenses by approximately $49 million, and transfer ownership to the company’s lenders.
What’s at Stake Programming continuity at affected stations faces immediate pressure across multiple markets. Markets lose experienced management and on-air talent simultaneously. Cumulus must rapidly fill multiple leadership vacancies. Consequently, morning show transitions create real listener engagement risks.
What Remains Unclear The total number of layoffs remains unknown across all Cumulus markets. Additional departures may emerge as details surface in coming days. The company has not announced strategic plans for affected markets. Reach out to our Barrett Media team of David Hill (david@barrettmedia.com), Garrett Searight (Garrett@barrettmedia.com), or John Mamola (John@barrettmedia.com) if you have information from affected employees.
What It Means These cuts reflect broader consolidation pressures gripping the radio industry. Experienced talent departures typically precede format or operational changes ahead. Ultimately, the industry continues navigating economic realities.
Who’s Affected:
Peoria/Central Illinois: Wes Jordan departs after seven years as Production Director for the Bloomington and Peoria IL markets. He also hosted afternoons on Z92.3..
Mobile, AL: Cami George is out as program director / afternoons at 97.5 WABD. She also served as the regional promotions director. George was with Cumulus for 8 years after three years with WYOY in Jackson, Mississippi. She also has experience in West Virginia, North Carolina, Ohio, and New Zealand.
Columbia, SC: Leo ‘LB’ Baldwin is out as program director of 98.5 OMG and B106.7. Baldwin was also a key part of The Midlands Morning Show on B106.7. A Facebook post by the station confirmed Baldwin’s exit. Baldwin joined the cluster as Program Director in June 2023 from Audacy St. Louis where he spent nearly three years as OM/PD for Y98 and 102.5 KEZK. He previously held roles in West Palm Beach, Indianapolis, Philadelphia, and Honolulu.
New York City: Jay Soderberg departs his role as vice president of digital programming operations, podcast and digital operations after almost six years with the company.
Barrett Media can also confirm that Senior Vice President of Marketing and Podcasts Carolyn Chauncey has also exited in this round of layoffs.
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