Cumulus Media’s Classic Rock station WLAV in Grand Rapids will lose its morning host Michelle McCormick on Friday, August 28. The departure stems from company-wide layoffs affecting the radio broadcaster.
What We Know McCormick anchored WLAV’s morning show since 2011, building strong listener relationships. Additionally, she built her entire career in Grand Rapids starting way back in 1984. Consequently, she worked multiple Grand Rapids stations including WGRD, WOOD, and WJRW. Moreover, she spent five years at Detroit’s WKRK-FM and time at New Jersey’s WKXW before returning home.
What They Said McCormick addressed listeners directly during Monday’s show, showing transparency during the transition. She told her audience, “About two weeks ago our company had to make some changes and they had to eliminate some jobs. Mine was one of them that was eliminated. I’m going to be here for two more weeks.” The candid announcement demonstrates her professionalism as she faces this career change.
What Remains Unclear However, McCormick hasn’t announced her next career destination or plans. Furthermore, Cumulus hasn’t disclosed the broader scope of its layoffs nationwide. Also unclear is whether WLAV will hire a replacement host or restructure the morning slot. Additionally, details about future transitions remain private.
What It Means Consequently, this move reflects Cumulus’s ongoing restructuring efforts affecting markets nationwide. Besides, the exit impacts a market where McCormick cultivated deep listener loyalty spanning decades. Therefore, competitors and advertisers should closely monitor format stability at WLAV moving forward. In essence, McCormick’s departure signals mounting industry consolidation pressures continuing to reshape radio.
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David Hill serves as a Music Radio Editor, Columnist and Features writer for Barrett Media. A radio lifer with more than 30 years behind the mic, in the control room, and in the program director’s chair, David’s career spans influential stops at brands such as WIYY 98 Rock, WBAL-AM, and 99X. He has worked across multiple formats and ownership groups, including iHeartMedia and Cumulus Media, developing talent, breaking music, and navigating every major industry shift from diary to PPM and terrestrial dominance to streaming disruption. When he’s not writing or analyzing the industry, Dave runs The Tune Farm, a marketing firm built to help artists and brands grow audience the same way great radio always has—by creating connection, not just impressions. He can be reached at David@BarrettMedia.com.