iHeartMedia has initiated another series of staff reductions across multiple markets. These changes impact various roles, including on-air personalities, program directors, and market leadership positions. The full extent of these layoffs is currently being assessed, with specific individuals confirming their departures through social media and direct communications.
Key Takeaways
- iHeartMedia is conducting further layoffs across several U.S. markets.
- Departures include notable on-air talent and management.
- Impacted cities include San Francisco, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Seattle, Tampa Bay, Salt Lake City, Greensboro, and Little Rock.
- Roles affected span morning show hosts, midday personalities, program directors, and market presidents.
Impact on West Coast Operations
The West Coast has seen significant changes in its radio talent lineup. In San Francisco, Hudson Hott has exited her dual role. She served as the 7-midnight personality for Hot AC KIOI (Star 101.3) and as a weekend/fill-in talent for KYSR (ALT 98.7) in Los Angeles. Hott's career in radio began in Honolulu, where she worked overnights at 98 Rock. She later spent two decades as a morning co-host at Alt sister station KUCD (Star 101.9) alongside Scotty B.
Her departure marks a shift in programming for these stations. Listeners in both markets will notice these changes immediately. Hott is now seeking new opportunities in the industry.
"I want to thank all the listeners, viewers & most importantly, my guys who worked with me over the years. Thank you."
Sean Brace, former Program Director and afternoon talent at 1480 WDAS
Seattle Morning Show Sees Departure
In Seattle, Sarah, a prominent morning show personality at KZOK for 14 years, has been released. She initially joined the station in 2011 with Danny Bonaduce, arriving from WYSP/Philly. After Bonaduce's retirement in 2023, she co-hosted with BJ Shea. Since October 2024, Sarah had been hosting the show solo. Her extensive career also includes 12 years at the former WXRK/New York, where she was known as "Danni." She also had previous roles at KFMA/Tucson, WMRQ/Hartford, WFNX/Boston, and SiriusXM. Sarah is now actively looking for her next professional role.
Key Talent Departures
- Hudson Hott: San Francisco/Los Angeles
- MuthaKnows & Mikey Dredd: Philadelphia
- Sean Brace: Philadelphia
- Jeff St. Pierre: Baltimore
- Sarah: Seattle
- Sarah Jacobs: Tampa Bay
- Katie Sommers: Tampa Bay
- Joyce Wirthlin: Salt Lake City
- Hooker: Salt Lake City
- JT Bosch: Greensboro
- Kevin Cruise: Little Rock
Changes in Eastern and Central U.S. Markets
The East Coast has also experienced notable exits. In Philadelphia, the "Rise & Grind Morning Show" on Urban WUSL (Power 99) has concluded. Co-hosts MuthaKnows and Mikey Dredd have departed. MuthaKnows shared his thoughts publicly on Instagram. Roxy Romeo, the show's third host, will remain with the station in a different daypart, which will be announced later.
Across the hall at Fox Sports affiliate 1480 WDAS (The Gambler), Sean Brace has left his positions as Program Director and afternoon talent. Brace announced his departure on Facebook, reflecting on his time building the station's team and partnerships since 2019. He highlighted the challenges overcome, including the pandemic, and expressed gratitude to his team and listeners.
Baltimore and Tampa Bay See Shifts
In Baltimore, Jeff St. Pierre is no longer the APD/afternoon talent at WPOC (Country 93.1). St. Pierre joined WPOC in 2008 as a morning show producer. He was named Music Director in June 2015 and transitioned from morning co-host to afternoon drive last year. He shared his news via a short video on Instagram, indicating a significant change in his long-standing role.
Tampa Bay's Country WFUS (US 103.5) has also parted ways with APD/midday talent Sarah Jacobs. Jacobs started at WFUS as a midday personality in 2017 and became Music Director in June 2019. Before joining WFUS, she worked at WCTQ/Sarasota for seven years. Katie Sommers has also exited her longtime midday position at Top 40 WFLZ in the same market.
Industry Context: Radio Downsizing Trends
The radio industry has seen ongoing consolidation and restructuring in recent years. Companies often make strategic decisions to streamline operations, adapt to changing listener habits, and manage costs. These shifts can lead to talent departures and programming adjustments across various markets. Digital platforms and evolving media consumption patterns continue to influence traditional broadcast strategies.
Midwest and Southern Market Updates
In Salt Lake City, Joyce Wirthlin has exited her role as Market President after nearly three decades. Wirthlin spent her entire media career in the Salt Lake City market. She began as a Senior Account Executive with Citadel in 1993. She then joined the former Clear Channel SLC as Vice President of Sales in 1998, rose to Senior Vice President of Sales in 2021, and was appointed Market President in January of this year. Her departure marks the end of a long tenure.
Also in Salt Lake City, Hooker is out as co-host of the "Hooker & DB" morning show on Mainstream Rock KAAZ (Rock 106.7). This change affects the station's morning lineup.
Greensboro and Little Rock Adjustments
Greensboro, North Carolina, is seeing the departure of JT Bosch. He exits his roles as Program Director for Country WTQR, Classic Rock WVBZ, and News-Talk WPTI. Additionally, he leaves his PM drive position on WTQR and WNCB, after exactly six years with the company. Bosch's history with iHeartMedia dates back to 2001. He previously served as APD/MD/afternoons for Country WKKT (96.9 The Kat)/Charlotte and APD/MD at WMZQ/Washington. Earlier in his career, Bosch was VP of Programming for iHeartMedia Austin and Regional Program Manager for iHeart Harrisburg, PA. He started his career at WUPE/Pittsfield, MA. Bosch is now available for new opportunities.
Finally, in Little Rock, Kevin Cruise has exited as the morning host on KDJE (100.3 The Edge). These changes reflect a broad impact across iHeartMedia's national footprint.
Industry professionals affected by these changes are encouraged to share their contact information for potential new opportunities within the industry. This is a common practice during periods of industry restructuring, allowing talent to connect with new employers.