The national radio trades are reporting layoffs across the country at iHeartMedia stations.
The Hollywood Reporter writes that the company is letting go 5% of its workforce, or around 10,000 employees.
In Texas, reports include personnel downsizing in Dallas and Houston, but RadioInsight says not all cuts have been made public, and smaller markets could be next.
HOUSTON
RadioInsight, Ramp247 and Barrett Media report that in Houston, "94.5 The Buzz KTBZ night host Karah Leigh, has exited after 19 years with the alternative rock station. She also voice-tracked for other IHeart stations in other parts of the country.
"After more than 21 ears with iHeartMedia, over 9 of those with 94.5 The Buzz, I'm no longer with the company," Kara Leigh wrote on Instagram. "A two decade career summed up in a sentence on an iPhone note. Working at The Buzz was my dream job. It’s what I set out to do when I declared my communications major and decided to go for it. Trying to work in entertainment is a fool’s errand, and I was so, so lucky to have a career that lasted for as long as it did. For someone who loves music but can’t sing or play an instrument, it was a great place to be."
Stan Norfleet leaves Sportstalk 790 KBME where he hosted middays on the “Next Up with Stan Norfleet & Chris Gordy” 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Norfleet joined the station in February 2023.
"Today was my last on @SportsTalk790, as iHeart executed nationwide layoffs," Norfleet posted on X. "Yes, I was caught off guard, given I’d just agreed to an extension. That said, I remain forever grateful for the opportunity! I have the utmost FAITH the next season will be as rewarding."
UPDATE: On December 2, 2024, the station addressed that Shara Fryer is no longer with 740 KTRH.
DALLAS - FORT WORTH
Ramp247 and RadioInsight report that Patrick Davis, the Senior Vice President (SVP) of Programming and program director for 106.1 Kiss-FM KHKS Dallas-Fort Worth, has left the station after 20 years.
- Patrick Davis: The Ross on Radio Interview
RadioInsight reports Cruz leaves the afternoon shift on Mix 102.9 KDMX and Domininc ‘Zakk’ Zaccagnini leaves his program director role for "Lone Star 92.5" KZPS and Rock "97.1 The Eagle" KEGL.
UPDATE: Not iHeartRadio, but Cumulus - Where are Steve Lamb and Nicole Osei on WBAP?
SAN ANTONIO
RadioInsight writes that Joe ‘Pags’ Pagliarulo exits 1200 WOAI.
AROUND TEXAS
Radio Ink reports that Texas/Arkansas Area President Clyde was laid off. He was over 48 stations across ten markets.
Check the trades mentioned above for cuts around the rest of the US.
