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. Each site continues to compile ongoing lists.
In Minneapolis, “Cities 97.1” (KTCZ) morning co-host Mollie Kendrick and morning producer Brent Barkey posted on social media that they are out of jobs.
Today, after almost 5 years with Cities97.1, I was let go as a part of the iHeart layoffs. I am so thankful to all the incredible Cities listeners who made my time in radio an absolute dream
— Brent (@Producer_Brent) January 15, 2020
RadioInsight also reported that KDWB/101.3 weekend host Dan Foss is out, and KTLK/1130 weekend host Sue Jeffers posted on Facebook that her show had been cancelled.
In Des Moines, WHO-TV reports that iHeart reversed its decision to drop six hosts from Sports talker KXNO/1460. Not only will Heather Burnside, Andrew Downs, Travis Justice, Ross Peterson, Sean Roberts, and Chris Williams return to their jobs, the format will be simulcast on KDXA/106.3 (Ankeny-Des Moines), replacing “Alt 106.3.”
Today @TravisCreates, @Sean23Roberts and I were let go by iHeart Media. I gained 7 brothers the day I was hired in Travis, Sean, Murph, Andy, AD, Ross and Chris. They will always be family. I love radio, loved introducing @50Tweets1 to you all
— Heather Burnside (@HeatherRadio) January 14, 2020
It’s been the best 11 years of my life working at KXnO. That era ended today.
— Andrew Downs (@AndrewCDowns) January 14, 2020
Thank you to the many people who made this time so special, most of all the friends who worked alongside me every day.
Here’s to whatever is next.
The bloodbath was huge, make no mistake about it. 1000 jobs cut nationwide the company. By the way you can find the @TotalTuscany and @DocTalkSports podcasts on the @iHeartRadio App. And anywhere else you get your Podcasts.
— Travis Justice (@TravisCreates) January 15, 2020
Thanks for the ride everyone… Been a pleasure… Much love to everyone who listened and embraced me. Trav, Heather, Ross, AD, and Chris will always be family and I love them to death. On to the next Chapter https://t.co/wTbp71PvzU
— Sean Roberts (@Sean23Roberts) January 14, 2020
Nothing is more important than your family and the people you choose to associate yourself with. Lucky to have these folks in my life. pic.twitter.com/nNk7rpP5XS
— Chris Williams (@ChrisMWilliams) January 14, 2020
News stories about the KXNO layoffs were among the most-read on Des Moines media websites Tuesday evening, and KXNO’s Facebook page contained dozens of complaints.
In Madison, Mike Lucas said on Twitter that he was told he was done at Sports Talker WTSO/1070 after Tuesday’s show.
Started doing radio talk on WIBA in 1976. Was a labor of love all these years with tremendous partners. Told I was done after today’s show. Will handle this with class/ professionalism unlike how I was treated. It was helluva run and I’m not done yet. You’ll be hearing from me
— Mike Lucas (@LucasAtLarge) January 14, 2020
In the Quad Cities, Dave Levora posted that he is out at News/Talk station WOC/1420.
I genuinely enjoyed the last two years doing mornings at WOC for iHeart Radio. I was told today I’m not going to get to do that anymore.
— Dave Levora (@davelevora) January 14, 2020
My employment has been “dislocated”.
On the bright side, I’ve finally got time to watch “The Irishman” on Netflix. So there’s that.
Check RadioInsight and All Access for complete lists of those affected.
The layoffs came after iHeart announced changes to its organizational structure and investments in new technology and artificial intelligence.