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Barrett Media has confirmed from multiple sources that former 98.5 The Sports Hub host Rich Shertenlieb, who had signed on with iHeart Media’s 100.7 WZLX less than six months ago to host its morning show, has been one of the people let go by the company in the latest round of layoffs. According to reports, the layoffs began on Friday of last week with people in station management and sales and then continued today with station talent.
Shertenlieb has now posted on his X account saying in part, “After five months, The Rich Shertenlieb Show will no longer air on WZLX. To say that I’m disappointed is an understatement. When we launched the show at the end of May, the plan was simple. We would take the months of Summer to build chemistry with the new cast and by Fall and football season, we would be close to sounding what our vision of the show would be. However, just over two months into the show, management decided to alter the format. They wanted music, I did not. However, despite my disagreement about the decision, I agreed to move forward, and music was added.
“After starting from scratch, watching the show fanbase grow and the interaction with the fans increase as they became part of our radio family is one my proudest accomplishments in all my years of broadcasting. I’ve never been part of that much growth, ever. But the thing that I am the most proud of is the team that I helped put together for the show. This was THE team. If I could work with all of them the rest of my career, I would die happy. I love all of these guys. And through the last several months and my differences in vision with management, these guys had my back the entire way. All of them.”
Shertenlieb would go on to thank each member of the show individually and added, “Thank you to iHeart for the opportunity. Just because we didn’t have the same vision doesn’t mean I don’t thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving me a chance to assemble the team I’ve always wanted to work with. I LOVED this show. I loved our listeners. And I already miss you.”
Barrett Media has also confirmed that in Tampa, WDAE and WFLA program director John Mamola, who had been with the station since 2011, has been let go. Mamola had announced a long-term contract extension with iHeartMedia in February 2023. Mamola had been in Chicago prior to his arrival in Florida. Initially, he was hired as PD of WDAE. He took over WFLA in December 2020. The company has also let go the station’s midday show with Jay Recher, Zac Blobner and producer James Donlon. Recher had been with the station since 2014 and was the APD under Mamola.
Mamola posted a video on his social media and spent a lot of it talking about Recher, Blobner and Donlon and singing their praises, saying they did not deserve what happened to them. Mamola added, “You never really know what the feeling of it is like until you’re in it and I’m in it. It was a bad day for a lot of good people, and it won’t be the last…No one forces us into this business. We choose this business and this business is ugly. It’s very ugly…It’s been 21 years plus and now I’m laid off…As for my future, I have no idea…but support local talent…”
Additionally, in Dayton, host Marty Bannister posted on X, “Great way to start a Monday, a little “life” news. Due to company cutbacks, my position at iHeartRadio has been eliminated. Thanks to all who listened to our show “The Press Box”, we had fun and once again, local radio loses. Been through this before and will rebound as always.”
Ross Peterson, who had been with The Morning Rush on KXNO in Des Moines for 20 years, posted, “Well, not the way I wanted to start a week, but I’ve been here before. I was just fired from KXNO. It’s been a dream come true to do live radio in my hometown for the past 20 years. Thank you for allowing me into your lives. I aint dying. More to come. New tide = new opportunity!”
Peterson’s producer Justin Miller was also let go, he posted on X, “Well…I thought I would be able to live out this dream a little longer, but today I was let go from KXnO and KASI. This was all I’ve ever wanted to do. As a kid I daydreamed about being paid to talk and watch sports and the people at KXnO made that happen for me. The experiences I gained were amazing but the people that mentored me and helped me along the way is what I will remember and miss most. Didn’t think I would ever say this but I will miss getting up at 4am everyday. Thank you all so much for letting me do this for a job even though it was never just a job to me. Thank you.”
In Milwaukee, former Green Bay Packer John Kuhn has said his time has come to an end at 97.3 The Game after four and a half years. Kuhn had been part of the Nine2Noon Show. Kuhn posted the announcement on X and thanked people he worked with and his listeners. He added, “As for me, I’ve been cut before (5 times in fact) and some of the best of me came after those cuts. Just like the Packers on the bye, it is time for some reflection and self scouting and I WILL be better on the other side. Here’s one last thank you to all of you!”
In Denver, Alfred ‘Big Al’ Williams is out at KOA after more than five years. Williams played for the Denver Broncos and collegiately at University of Colorado. Williams posted on his X account, “As I step away from iHeart, I want to take a moment to express my deep gratitude to everyone I’ve had the privilege of working alongside over the years. To my colleagues at iHeart, thank you for your unwavering support, dedication, and camaraderie. Together, we’ve shared countless moments—moments that I will carry with me always. The spirit and energy of our team have been a source of inspiration, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of it.”
Broncos insider Brandon Krisztal quoted Williams’ post and said he, too, had been let go after 9 years. Additionally, KOA Executive Producer Michael Coover has been laid off, he started with the station in 2018.
Barrett Media has also learned Stan Norfleet, who was part of the midday show at Sports Talk 790 in Houston has been let go.
In Phoenix, Jody Oehler posted on his X that he is out as morning host at FOX Sports 910 KGME. Oehler was with the station for 11 years and also served as the Assistant Program Director.
Justin Myers, host of Rip City Mornings on Rip City Sports Radio 620 in Portland, has announced he has departed the station. Additionally, afternoon co-host Dwight Jaynes shared he has been included in the layoffs.
FOX Sports Radio anchor Kevin Wyart and announcer Nick Koop both posted they had been let go. Both had been with the company for more than two years.
As we learn of any other iHeartMedia layoffs in sports, we will add more to this story. If you have been laid off and want the industry to be aware of your availability, please email dave@barrettmedia.com.
