Local radio operated by iHeartMedia underwent a round of cuts and gutting that employees and fans are calling bad for business.
The company said in a statement that the layoffs, which were reported at 1,000+ across the U.S., centered around advancements in technology. However, many critics were quick to point out that after the layoffs – there wasn’t much ‘local’ left at many stations.
Here’s part of iHeart’s statement:
“As it enters the new decade, iHeartMedia today announced a new organizational structure for its Markets Group as it modernizes the company to take advantage of the significant investments it has made in technology and artificial intelligence (AI) and its unique scale and leadership position in the audio marketplace. The new structure will enable the company to maximize the performance of each of its markets – and the company overall — with its unique scale and multiple platforms; leadership in audio; and its expertise in consumers, monetization and data, and enhance iHeartMedia’s position as the number one audio company in America, continue its successful transformation as a technology- and data-powered 21st century media company, and accelerate the development of new platforms and services.”
The company says that investment in technology made changes necessary:
“The company has made significant technology investments to change everything from how it sells advertising to how it utilizes data and builds new businesses like its digital platform, podcast platform and robust data platform – all of which have given it an undisputed leadership position in the audio world. Additionally, the company’s technological advancements increase its ability to support its employees and its customers through world class systems and innovation.”
Among those let go from iHeart in the Rochester and Syracuse markets:
– Billy D’Ettorre, who produces the ‘Brother Wease’ morning show on Radio 95.1 in Rochester.
– Pat McMahon, who hosts the Pauly & Pat Morning show on Y94FM and Mix100.5 in Rochester and Syracuse.
– Daryl Thomas Ledyard, an on-air personality for Y94FM, as well as B104.7 in Syracuse.
– Jim Dunagan, who many know as ‘Big Jim Donovan’, an on-air personality for Y94FM, as well as NewsRadio 570 WSYR.
“Today was my last day on Y94, Mix 100.5 and a bunch of stations nationwide that I was honored to be on and a part of,” McMahon said in a Facebook Post. “Thank you to everyone I worked with and for. It was fun and I got to accomplish so many goals. It was truly my honor. To the future!”
This is a developing story. Updates will be published as new information becomes available.
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