America's largest radio station owner iHeartMedia filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the wee hours of Wednesday night/Thursday morning. At least 100 U.S. news organizations have closed throughout the pandemic, although 14 of those same outlets have since resumed operations to varying extents. 1. Ive heard there are as many as 850 people without jobs today from iHeartMedia. I heard there are going to be more [cuts] coming all week, adds the other former employee. iHeart's role in all of this, yes iHeart! Roger Rocket Keeler exits as Imaging Director after 28 years with the cluster. Then they rinse and repeat with new hires iHeartMedia has an overall rating of 3.2 out of 5, based on over 2,430 reviews left anonymously by employees. low pay, understaffed, not enough resources, Hybrid - 2 days in office Free Meals Tue -Thu Free Parking Downtown Off early on Fridays 401K + Health Benefits (high cost) Flexible schedule for doc appts, and such. latest round of layoffs affecting the broadcasting giant, he'd given Rosen permission to use racial slurs, this 2008 post dates from his previous gig, as many as 1,500 jobs were slashed nationwide. Now, it appears that Sarah van Mosel is no longer the executive vice president of the iHeart Audience Network after less than a year in the post. Consolidation has been ongoing throughout the industry, he says, but I dont think people [at other radio companies] see this as an excuse to push the button.. iHeartRadio owner lays off dozens including popular hosts iHeartMedia announced 9 presidents for new market divisions By James Leggate FOXBusiness Video Dozens of popular radio personalities. F ollowing the recent abrupt departure of The Hollywood Reporter's now former editorial director Matthew Belloni last week, umbrella company Valence Media has, today, let go of a substantial number of its workforce. Considering the macroeconomic challenges in the current environment, we think our digital and podcasting business has performed well in the fourth quarter, but we also seek concrete ways to improve the performance going forward.. Weekly podcast listening stats also improved significantly, with 31 percent of respondents saying they listened to a podcast in the past week, up from only 26 percent last year. From the money earned through that tool, Spreaker takes a 40 percent cut. So far we have heard of dismissals from programming, on-air, and digital departments across the country. Youre simply taking content that someone has already produced and pushing it out someplace else on another channel theres a lot more money in that, says Gordon Borrell, CEO of broadcast-analyst firm Borrell Associates. To illustrate iHearts new approach, Borrell says he was earlier streaming a Philadelphia rock station on an Amazon device while working in Virginia. Another area that saw significant growth? Youve gotten to the point where theres no such thing as a disc jockey. Boston: 1 on Billboard Argentina Hot 100 Chart, We Thought You Should Know: Morgan Wallen Tops Country Airplay Chart for Third Week, Publishers Quarterly: Taylor Swift Rules With Anti-Hero, Sony and Universal Duel for No. Were a little short on data, but you can help. [iHeartMedia is] very much convinced that the local aspect of radio is no longer important., Related to get free tickets to concerts and music events. It was founded in August 2008. This rating reflects the overall rating of iHeartMedia and is not affected by filters. Annual layoffs and discharges fell notably, from 40.8 million in 2020 to 17.0 million in 2021, for a decrease of 58.3 percent. Rochester, New York, United States In charge of producing the WHAM Morning News. Toni Foxx departs The Big Show in mornings at Country 99.1 WQIK after nineteen years. Augustus also worked in the market at 98.1 WSRR and 98.9 WJZN along with a previous stint at WRBO. Our people are our companys most important asset, iHeartMedia continued, before announcing that a number of those crucial assets were about to be cut, and inventing a new euphemism for layoffs in the process: There will be some employee dislocation some by geography and some by function which is the unfortunate price we pay to modernize the company.. Newstalk 610 CKTB is an iHeartRadio station. Weve gotten so far from local owners that radio is almost unrecognizable now, said Karen Slade, vice president and general manager of the independently owned KJLH in Los Angeles, in a 2019 interview. The cuts come as the company continues to implement operational changes that began in the wake of the widescale cuts of January 2020. YouTube revealed its big podcast plan, Spotify talked audiobooks, and Decoder had its first live show. This website uses cookies. But it also means that there are fewer local DJs talking about local things that matter deeply to their own communities., With iHeartMedia taking this step to further hollow out its local presence, its easy to imagine that other big radio chains like Cumulus, Entercom, or Townsquare Media will do the same. We have heard of many in production roles in particular that were let go including a few who held regional or national duties on the commercial production side and on the local digital content teams. Gayle Troberman, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for iHeartMedia. iHeartRadio (often shortened to just "iHeart") is an American freemium broadcast, podcast and radio streaming platform owned by iHeartMedia. He has also worked in Shreveport, Charleston and Killeen TX. According to anonymously submitted Glassdoor reviews, iHeartMedia employees rate their compensation and benefits as 2.7 out of 5. Another round of employee cuts at iHeartMedia last week appears to include reductions in engineering departments at its broadcast operations. New Hampshire iHeart Media buys L.A.'s Triton Digital from Scripps for $230 million. Every effort will be made to keep communication between us secret and confidential. iHeartMedia, Inc. . New York, N.Y. - June 16, 2021 - iHeartMedia today announced the lineup for the 2021 iHeartRadio Music Festival, the annual legendary concert event on Friday, Sept. 17 and Saturday, Sept. 18 at Las Vegas' hottest entertainment venue, T-Mobile Arena, and its Daytime Stage at the iHeartRadio Music Festival on Saturday, Sept. 18 at the new . independent local journalism in Denver. IHeart reps wouldnt comment on the number of layoffs or discuss strategy, other than releasing a statement that says in part, This is another step in the companys successful transformation as a multiple platform 21st century media company, and we believe it is essential to our future. (Although listenership for iHeartMedias more than 850 stations remains strong, traditional radio advertising revenue has declined, and the company emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy last year, cutting its debt from $16 billion to $6 billion.) IHeartMedias stock price was up close to 3 percent Wednesday afternoon. Bee previously has hosted mornings and nights at WOWI and has mixed at WXYV Baltimore, WBTJ Richmond and SiriusXM. In the process, the company became a ripe target for a takeover bid. Sorry. Update 12/1: After a slowdown over the Thanksgiving holiday, the iHeartMedia layoffs have picked back up as the Atlanta cluster saw cuts today. Gail Austin is out as Program Director and midday host at Country 93.7 The Bull KSD-FM. WKRD sports talk Afternoon hosts John Ramsey and Mike Rutherford are now out, not back after the iHeart layoffs, RADIO GIANT IHEARTMEDIA FILES BANKRUPTCY PLAN TO REDUCE DEBT. Can I Be Laid Off While On Workers Compensation? The layoffs seemed to particularly anger listeners of the Des Moines, Iowa sports station KXNO. Lo 30 Hi 44. Shore previously spent seventeen years as a traffic reporter for News 780 WBBM and earlier in his career programmed KRNA Iowa City. Austin joined KSD-FM in December 2018 after previously serving as VP/Programming for Clear Channel Jacksonville and programming WCOL Columbus OH and WQIK Jacksonville. Are Older Listeners the Key to Unlocking Streamings Growth Potential? As per Layoffs.fyi, a website that tracks layoffs in the tech sector, over 37,000 employees were made redundant at 467 startups globally in the second quarter of 2022, compared to less than 3,000 . It is the holding company of iHeartCommunications, Inc. (formerly Clear Channel Communications, Inc.), a company founded by Lowry Mays and B. J. CEO Bob Pittman said in a press release Tuesday that iHeartMedias move will allow the company to modernize its operations and infrastructure. https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/news/2022/06/17/pete-kennedy-the-mayor-rochester-ny-radio-host-among-those-let-go-iheartmedia-cuts/7657086001/. Listeners expressed their outrage on Twitter after learning that some of their favorite radio personalities had been let go. Proven work experience as a news anchor The stock price for iHeart, which has been the subject of recent takeover speculation from cable giant and SiriusXM satellite-radio parent Liberty Media Corp., has jumped from roughly $17 to $18 since the layoffs went public earlier this week. DJ Bee departs as midday host at Classic Hip Hop 92.1 The Beat WHBT-FM and afternoon host and mixer at Hip Hop 103 Jamz WOWI after 25 years. He was also the station's Sr. Vice President of Programming. How Should RTD Deal With the Drug Problem on Trains? The label source suggests iHeart is trying to move into the Spotify and Pandora side, by structuring its business more like a digital or streaming service than a traditional radio station. Workload can be heavy during close, but that's typical for an Accounting position. No bonus or stock options. One employee who lost a job Tuesday said the station cut just about all the on-air talent except for the morning show. Financial Highlights: Q4 2021 Consolidated Results Q4 Revenue of $1,062 million up 14% YoY; exceeding prior guidance of up approximately 10% Excluding the impact of Political, Q4 revenue was up 25% YoY Q4 2021 Consolidated Revenue up 3.5% vs. Q4 2019 GAAP Operating income of $123 . By Ben Miller - Staff Reporter, Feb 17, 2021. iHeart Media Inc. said it's buying Triton Digital of Los Angeles from The E.W . The 200 Greatest Singers of All Time Have a great weekend! Wednesday, June 29, 2022. More people who have gone public with their departure have been added to the list below. iHeartMedias companywide email proclaimed that our company is built on the strength of broadcast radio the markets in which we operate and the connection of our stations to the communities they serve. But that connection may be nonexistent after Tuesday, according to several former iHeartMedia employees. Courtesy of iheartmedia The largest radio conglomerate in the country, iHeartMedia, initiated a round of mass layoffs this week,. iHeartMedia's layoffs of hundreds of employees this week in a self-described move to modernize the company most likely means two things: A shift in emphasis from AM-FM airwaves to apps, streaming and, (Updated at 2 p.m. The company reports third-quarter . Every Tuesday receive analysis, insights, and commentary on the growing podcast industry. Before joining KBCO in 1997, Hart worked at multiple stations in Colorado Springs and Portland OR. Liberty, which owns SiriusXM satellite radio, also has a 4.8 percent stake in iHeart. According to her LinkedIn, she transitioned to the role of strategic advisor in February, though Hot Pod has learned she is no longer an employee at the company. Late last Friday, word began rapidly circulating about numerous high profile personnel cuts within Beasleys on-air and programming ranks. IHeartMedia, which describes itself as the number one audio company in America and owns more than 850 radio stations, announced the reorganization as a way to group its markets by common needs and characteristics into three divisions. I recommend newcomers to work at iHeart. Radio 95.1 - Rochester, NY - Home of Brother Wease, Rizzo & Jeff, Rover's Morning Glory at Night and The Bob and Tom Show Denver's independent source of But just like the recent Cumulus Media bankruptcy, the fact that this is a Chapter 11 means little will change in the radio landscape. You will live in constant fear of losing your job and be abused by the sales staff and sales management, no joke, ABUSE. Published: Mar. Lance Houston exits the PD post at Country WBLW (101.7 The Bull). audiobooks are the next big-revenue vertical. You can unsubscribe to any of the . Were still collecting data to inform categories such as Age, Disability, Sexual Orientation, and Veteran Status. Discover.css-epvm6{white-space:nowrap;}.css-epvm6{white-space:nowrap;} More, Find a Great First Job to Jumpstart Your Career, Getting a Job Is Tough; This Guide Makes it Easier, Climb the Ladder With These Proven Promotion Tips, A Guide to Negotiating the Salary You Deserve. Reactions: im4cyclones , beentherebefore and Doc Twitter announced a new policy prohibiting "violent speech" on Wednesday, March 1, 2023, though overall it sounds very similar to the rules against violent threats it had on the books long before Elon Musk took over. Active social media presence. IHeartMedia emerged from bankruptcy last year after seeking protection to reduce its debt by more than $10 billion in 2018. Theres no such thing as a music director., On-air talent was supposed to be the one thing that [iHeartMedia] offered that was unique, he continues. Edison reported that 42 percent of people in the US 12 and older listen to podcasts on a monthly basis, up from 38 percent last year. Listen To The Most Popular Podcasts On iHeartRadio! KJMS/WDIA Memphis personality Earle Augustus noted that he was released this morning indicating that the company is not yet done with its current round of staff reductions. The entire environment is toxic and negative, no one (besides sales since they rule all things) is happy and everyone is treated like absolute garbage. In addition, subscriptions rates were increased. Boston, MA Weather. If you have a desire to work in the Broadcast arena, they offer the opportunity to work in your field. Spokespeople for iHeart and Townsquare wouldnt comment, but Borrell believes iHeart is expanding its focus to sell advertising nationally, while Townsquare remains locked in on local advertisers in each of its markets. A national round of job cuts at iHeartMedia appears to have reached just about every one of the company's markets in the Upper Midwest, with at least two dozen cuts in the region reported on lists compiled by RadioInsight and All Access. Management is alright. That is a truly respectable number, but perhaps their expectations were set high because of the 148 percent growth the segment experienced in 2021. Employees also rated iHeartMedia 3.3 out of 5 for work life balance, 3.1 for culture and values and 3.0 for career opportunities. Not long after the email went out, people like myself started to get calls up to offices, and they were told they were being let go, says the former host. Lance also advises stations, talent and brands on digital content strategies, programming integrations, and brand extensions. What was not mentioned at the, Late Wednesday night, as the search for missing KYLD (WiLD 94.9)/San Francisco morning personality Jeffrey JV Vandergrift reached its, Nice to hear from major market pro Riley Couture, who reached out to let us know that she relaunched, Red Apple News-Talk 77 WABC/New York has hired Noam Laden in the multi-faceted role of News Director, host of. Some company like Iheart can come along and buy up companies using a ton of debt. Dave Hilton exits as Production Director after 23 years. Join the Westword community and help support When iHeart Media acquired several Boston radio stations in 2017, it was known that the company would need to make massive cuts at some point to deal with its multi-billion dollar debt. Greg Foster exits as SVP/Talk Programming overseeing News/Talk 850/94.1 KOA, Talk 630 KHOW, and Conservative Talk Freedom 93.7 760 KDFD. Which is a shame because there is a huge need for something more local., came into my office and closed the door and said, Hey, and gave me the talk of, This is your last day. Brian Price exits as afternoon host at Classic Rock 93.3 The Wolf WNCD and Creative Production Designer for the National Programming Group. According to Radio Insight, Jeremy Newman is expected to stay with iHeartMedia, hosting afternoons at Country 100.5 (WDVI-FM) in Rochester. Executives blame AI. Now that a single Spotify playlist might command more than 25 million followers, giving it the power to create a global hit before lunchtime, the concept of a local radio station intent on serving a local community seems increasingly quaint. Say what you want about iHeart, but theyre making some pretty smart and strategic decisions to stay afloat and morph in whats becoming a difficult media environment.This weeks layoffs, part of what former employees have called a a bloodbath cut deeply into iHeart radio stations around the U.S., particularly those in mid-major markets such as Pittsburgh and Asheville, North Carolina, The deep and unexpected cuts have shocked record labels radio-promotions departments, who have lost many of their long-standing relationships. Total earnings in 2022 increased 7% to $316 million, compared to $294 million in the prior-year period. Their influence has gotten less and less. Robbie Rose and John Scott remain in mornings. iheart layoffs 2021. Its a lot easier to get rid of people if you dont have to have any physical location where the public can come in and figure out whats happening at your station, says Jessica Gonzlez, co-CEO of Free Press, a media watchdog group. Of Technology, on Saga Snags Schulze As Director, E-Commerce, on Laden Named News Director, AM Anchor, WABC, on Pratt Upped To APD At Praise Charlotte, on Audacy Denver Launches Front Range Country, Laden Named News Director, AM Anchor, WABC, Audacy Denver Launches Front Range Country, Spotify Restructures, Lays Off 6% Of Force, Beasley Downsizing In Boston, Tampa, More, JVs Family, Colleagues Facing Hard Reality, Saga Snags Schulze As Director, E-Commerce, Mailing Address: 25876 The Old Road #254, Valencia, CA 91381. IHeart emerged from Chapter 11 in early 2019, shaving $10 billion off its debt. (Washington Post) When iHeartMedia announced this month it would fire hundreds of workers across the country, the radio conglomerate said the restructuring was critical to take advantage of its "significant investments in technology and artificial intelligence." Editors picks iHeart owns more than a dozen stations in the Cleveland-Akron-Canton market. Copyright 2022 RadioInsight / RadioBB Networks. The festival will also be broadcast live on iHeartMedia radio stations throughout the country across more than 150 markets. Cumulus Media, iHeartMedia (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File) By The Associated . These include Country WBWL (101.7 The Bull)/Boston PD and National Programming Team member Lance Houston, CHR WKSC (103.5 Kiss FM)/Chicago night host Jordan Foster and Hip-Hop WBPT (95.7 The Beat)/Tampa PD Mychal Maguire after seven years. and help keep the future of Westword, Use of this website constitutes acceptance of our. With more than 860 live broadcast stations in 153 markets across America, there's an iHeartRadio station where you live. Newstalk 610 CKTB (CKTB-FM) is Niagara's NewsTalk Leader. The largest radio company in America cut a number of employees this week, dealing a blow to local radio across the country "The largest radio conglomerate in the country, iHeartMedia, initiated a round of mass layoffs this week, cutting enough people that one former on-air host described Tuesday as "one of the worst days in on-air radio history." The Anniston Star had one layoff, one early retirement and one employee stepped down. Des Moines The morning show on Radio 95.1, however, has been . The 100 Greatest TV Shows of All Time I suspect they will both win, one way or another, he says. It has been 10 years since my last raise, I've asked and been told no. iHeart swung to a $159 million second-quarter operating loss from a $182 million operating income in the same period of 2019, and revenue declined by 47%. Also, the term diversity is used as propaganda, and could possibly be a goal of the company, but not something that is necessarily practiced within the company. Theyll still be able to suggest songs. Neither van Mosel nor iHeart responded to request for comment. After 3+ years with Beasley Media Group Fayetteville, NC, Gunner Jacksonexits his dual role of Brand Manager for Adult, NPR CEO John Lansing announced the network would lay off roughly 10% of its current workforce at least, After 14 months as General Manager of Starnes Media Group News-Talk KWAM-AM/Memphis, Kevin Crash Davis is now a free, Daniel Ek, Founder/CEO of Sweden-based streaming giant Spotify announced extensive organizational restructuring that includes the layoff of 6% of, RAMP has confirmed that Riley Couture has exited as co-host of Your Morning Show, which is carried on iHeartMedia Top, Audacy Mainstream Rock KRXQ (98 Rock)/Sacramento has parted ways with afternoon guys Stroke Mastroand Mikey Muscatello, hosts of That, The Beasley cuts continue the latest major market downsizing has hit Paul Jaxon, afternoon talent at WMMR/Philadelphia for. [The total number] is definitely in the hundreds. He suspects its the biggest reduction in force since the one they did in 2009 [when iHeartMedia, then known as Clear Channel, laid off more than 2,000 employees]. Jerry Del Colliano, a veteran of the airwaves and professor in the Music Business Program at NYU Steinhardt who writes frequently about the troubles of radio, believes the number of layoffs will top 1,000. Why would they need to produce more?, Laid-off iHeartMedia DJs and programmers arent exactly sympathetic to that point of view. Jordan JRDN Foster exits as night host at CHR WKSC (103.5 Kiss FM). 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. An iHeartRadio station. In March, Pittman surrendered his remaining 2020 salary and senior management took pay cuts between 30-70 percent. His departure comes less than a month after podcasting head Dawn Ostroff announced she was leaving. 2020 Annual Report PDF Format Download PDF 1.39 MB. As of 2019, iHeartRadio was functioning as the national umbrella brand for iHeartMedia's radio network, the largest radio broadcaster in the United States with 128 million registered users as of 2019. You will be away from home quite often. That day of reckoning arrived this week. Courtesy of iheartmedia . Theres plenty else to dig into here. iHeartMedia is in the midst of another road of layoffs. Billboard is a part of Penske Media Corporation. radioinsight.com Breaking news when it happens. Its dominated by massive corporate structures, and the communities that we need to service get lost in the shuffle between the giants., Rampant consolidation inherently homogenizes viewpoints and music played across the country, added Rachel Stilwell, a music attorney who was part of a recent coalition that aimed to, The Culling Has Begun: Inside the iHeartMedia Layoffs, Russ Doesnt Trust Other Labels. Being a journalist can be stressful. For other iHeartMedia employees, the first sign of trouble came early Tuesday morning, when the company sent employees an email announcing a new organizational structure. The memo, obtained by, , seemed plucked partly from a corporate-culture parody like. "People are concerned," says a source at an iHeart station. Most artists want to hear their song on the radio. As layoffs roil the industry, from Spotify to NPR, iHeart Media is not immune. Sean Ross, a longtime industry analyst who edits the Ross on Radio newsletter, says its unlikely that other large broadcast companies, including Entercom and Cumulus, will follow iHearts lead right away in restructuring this aggressively away from traditional radio and towards the digital business. 2019 Annual Report PDF Format Download PDF 1.19 MB. charlieonnafriday's visit at 96.5 TDY's Artist Lounge. We are thrilled to partner with SeeHer for the third year in a row on International Womens Day to produce a special that not only shares the incredible, eye opening stories of leading women in the music industry, but will also inspire other women to take that leap and pursue a career they are passionate about." Today's $200 million plan comes after the company announced $50 million in savings early . Mason Lafayette the afternoon host of Mobile, Alabama's MIX 99.9 (WMXC) is one of the iHeart cuts. . Thats good to hear! Boston: Lance Houston exits the PD post at Country WBLW (101.7 The Bull). iHEARTMEDIA has commenced another round of layoffs nationwide, and ALL ACCESS has confirmed that those being laid off include National Programming Team member and Country WBWL (101.7 THE. Townsquare's Major Expansion . iHeartMedia, Inc., formerly CC Media Holdings, Inc., is an American mass media corporation headquartered in San Antonio, Texas. For other iHeartMedia employees, the first sign of trouble came early Tuesday morning, when the company sent employees an email announcing a new organizational structure. The memo, obtained by Rolling Stone, seemed plucked partly from a corporate-culture parody like Office Space. YouTube More information is surfacing about iHeartRadio layoffs in. Well it finally happened. one of the worst days in on-air radio history. The layoffs were concentrated in small and medium markets, where staffs had already been reduced, striking another major blow to local radio. A top ad executive is out as podcast revenue tapers off. Lo 34 Hi . Effective communication and interpersonal skills Cumulus Just Screwed Itself . Components of separations by industry Speaking of iHeart finding new ways to make money, its podcast publishing tool Spreaker is going for the Anchor play. Also cut Wednesday was Jordan JRDN , https://www.radioworld.com/news-and-business/headlines/reports-iheartmedia-makes-cuts-to-engineering-staff. Weve gotten so far from local owners that radio is almost unrecognizable now, said Karen Slade, vice president and general manager of the independently owned KJLH in Los Angeles, . You will see many bad things while being a journalist. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - Following mass layoffs by iHeart Media Inc. last week that included the termination of longtime WNCD 93.3-FM host Fred "Fast Freddie" Woak, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown is seeking answers from the national radio chain's CEO. He previously spent 15 years as PD of Sports 104.3 The Fan and predecessor 950 KKFN from 1995 to 2005 and Operations Manager at Front Range Sports Network from 2010 to 2014. Reports: iHeartMedia Makes Cuts to Engineering Staff, Syracuse, Rochester radio DJ Mayor Pete Kennedy out after , Pete Kennedy, The Mayor, among those let go in iHeartMedia , Three Architects of Denvers iHeart Radio Empire Are Out, iHeartRadio Layoffs During Pandemic Show Its Challenges , Can You Be Laid Off While On Medical Leave, Can A Company Find Out If You Were Laid Off, Can You Say You Were Laid Off Instead Of Fired, Can You Go On Disability After Being Laid Off, Can You Be Laid Off While On Short-Term Disability. They most recently attended, or will attend, Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity 2021 on Jun 21, 2021. iHeartMedia was able to wipe away much of its local presence thanks to a recent decision made by the Federal Communications Commission. Van Mosel is a longtime podcast revenue executive, having held top spots at New York Public Radio, Acast, and Stitcher, and she was seen as a big get for iHeart when she joined last year.