iHeartMedia Layoffs Continue Today Cutting Programming Staff in Multiple Markets

iHeartMedia started a new round of layoffs this week that hit on-air hosts, programmers, and other radio staff across the country. The company is restructuring its programming operations to cut costs and use more technology.

Executives sent a memo to employees that explains the changes. iHeartMedia Multi Platform Group CEO Ann Marie Licata and Chief Programming Officer Tom Poleman wrote the note. The company aims for $50 million in new annualized cost savings in the second half of 2026. This adds to about $100 million in earlier cuts.

“As the number one company in audio, our business model is to build engaged relationships with listeners and then monetize those relationships,” the memo states. “Our business success is built on putting our listeners and our communities first – and in support of that mission, we’re now taking an important step that will move us further into the future: Evolving how we program our stations to reward and develop our leading and up-and-coming talent.”

The memo continues:

“What sets us apart as a company is our dedication to creating new opportunities for our top personalities, making sure ‘Guaranteed Human’ is at the core of everything we do. Real voices and real talent strengthen our real connection and commitment to our communities.”

It adds:

“We also know that our sellers need faster and easier to use information about our programming, talent and audiences. Faster is better, and that’s the goal of our changes. With that in mind, we’ve built new tech capabilities over the last several years that have enabled us to both deepen our relationships with the listeners and communities who depend on us and improve the support we provide to our sellers. We’re now moving to scale this approach.”

The executives say the moves will expand support for communities and sales teams, use technology for stronger programming, and help the company lead in the future. They note that some positions will end while new roles get created.

“We have given this a great deal of thought and do not take this step lightly; we are deeply grateful for the contributions of those affected, and we’re committed to supporting them through this transition,” the memo states.

Layoffs started on Tuesday and continued through Thursday. They affect dozens of workers, with reports pointing to on-air talent and programmers in many markets. Smaller markets lost nearly all local hosts in some cases. Larger markets like Indianapolis and St. Louis now have few local personalities left.

In Anchorage, Casey Bieber left after 23 years. Amy Demboski exited mornings at News/Talk 670 KENI. She said the company is shifting focus from local to national content.

In Allentown, Pennsylvania, Mike Kelly left mornings at B104 after two decades. Becca Lynn also departed. Joel Shimer exited midday and nights roles.

St. Louis saw Tony Mott leave afternoons at Classic Hits 103.3 KLOU. Dustin “Haze” Monroe exited from KSLZ. In Birmingham, Spencer Graves and Madison Reeves Williams lost their positions. Reeves said, “25 years with iHeart came to an end today. I have seen so many talented co-workers go through this before and it really is so sad what has happened to radio.”

Other confirmed exits include Erica Coleman in Indianapolis and Louisville, Clint Gerlek in Springfield, Brian “Crash” Edwards in Pensacola, Lois “Double L” Lewis in Phoenix, and Bo Dalton in Little Rock. Markets like Denver, Pittsburgh, Allentown, and more saw cuts.

In Pittsburgh, Val Porter and Russ “Whip” Rose left after long tenures. Fort Myers lost Todd Matthews after 33 years and the Morning Freakshow after nearly 25 years.

iHeartMedia operates more than 850 stations. The company has faced industry pressures and used shared programming and technology before. This round follows earlier management cuts in April.

The restructuring targets programming to speed up operations and support sales. iHeartMedia declined to comment on the exact number of cuts. Reports put the total in the dozens so far, with the process ongoing into Thursday.