Clarence Barnes Exits Classic Hits 103.7 After 13 Years. The San Francisco air personality shared the news on social media.
What We Know: Clarence Barnes is leaving Classic Hits 103.7 in San Francisco after 13 years. iHeartMedia made the decision as part of ongoing business changes across its portfolio. Barnes previously held roles at Z100 in New York and KIIS-FM in Los Angeles. His departure adds to a growing list of iHeart talent changes in recent months.
What They Said: Barnes addressed the news with grace and perspective on social media. “For years, I’ve said that iHeartMedia is a lot like a great white shark,” he wrote. “It’s the king of the sea. Powerful. Fast. Beautiful. It does incredible things. It also eats.” He added, “As for the shark… I don’t have any hard feelings. Sharks are simply doing what sharks do.” Barnes also named several colleagues who shaped his career, including Tom Poleman, Rick Dees, Elvis Duran, and Big Boy.
What Remains Unclear: No replacement has been announced for Barnes’s role at Classic Hits 103.7. It’s also unknown whether his exit is tied to broader iHeart restructuring. Additionally, his next professional move has not been confirmed, though he noted he’s open to new opportunities.
What It Means: Barnes’s departure is another reminder of how quickly the radio landscape shifts. Even long-tenured talent at major market stations aren’t immune to sudden changes. However, Barnes made clear he’s not stepping away from the industry. He’s actively seeking new projects and can be reached at cb@southroadmedia.com.
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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.