October is a scary month for obvious reasons with Halloween and all, but it’s also proved historically to be cutdown month at iHeartMedia. This year is proving to be no different with another major round of layoffs.
Several radio industry publications are reporting that iHeartMedia is again cutting costs within its broadcast division. Layoffs include morning shows, market managers, production staffers and program directors, according to the reports.
Radio World’s email to a company spokesperson was not immediately returned.
Cuts across markets
The most recent cuts include Salt Lake City Market President Joyce Wirthlin, according to Barrett Media.
On air positions have been eliminated this week in major markets like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Atlanta, Houston, Milwaukee and Nashville.
RAMP reports that Katie Sommers is out as the longtime host in middays at WFLZ(FM) in Tampa. In Seattle, 14-year veteran morning show co-host Sarah has been cut from KZOK(FM).
Elsewhere, in Baltimore, Jeff St. Pierre, APD/on-air host at WPOC(FM), has been let go, according to RAMP. He shared a video with his listeners on his Instagram account.
View this post on Instagram
RadioInsight reported that in Little Rock, Ark., morning host and Program Director Kevin “Cruise” Mercer exited KDJE(FM). He was also PD of sister station 105.1 KMJX(FM).
In Philadelphia, Program Director Sean Brace at all-sports WDAS(AM) was among those cut. Also in Philly, the Rise & Grind Morning Show has come to an end, all according to RadioInsight. Hosts Mikey Dredd and MuthaKnows announced their exits from iHeart’s WUSL(FM).
View this post on Instagram
Bob Pittman, iHeart’s chairman and CEO, previously said the company is focused on digital growth and it’s not clear if the company is adding employees in those types of positions. The company’s modernization effort has rapidly consolidated many functions and departments since emerging from its most recent bankruptcy in 2019.
In addition, observers say iHeart has placed more of an emphasis on using AI in its business operations.
The company’s Multiplatform Group, which includes its radio stations, reported in August total revenue of $545 million in Q2 2025, which was down $31.3 million or 5.4% year-over-year. Pittman has blamed the decrease in broadcast advertising on uncertain market conditions.
The media company currently has 870 radio stations in 160 U.S. markets.
The digital market been the shining star for iHeart. The company keeps reporting growth in its podcasting business. iHeart’s Digital Audio Group reported revenue of $324 million in the second quarter 2025, up 13% YoY.
Meanwhile, iHeart’s operating expenses in the same period decreased $23.4 million due to the company’s ongoing modernization initiatives. Pittman has said the company hopes to have eliminated another $150 million in annual spending at the end of 2025.
iHeart reported total debt of $5.1 billion as of June 30. It carried out a similar round of jobs cuts in Oct. 2024, just prior to its Q3 earnings report.
The company has yet to announce a date for this year’s Q3 report, but analysts expect the report to be unveiled next week.
