URGENT UPDATE: Significant layoffs at iHeart Media are sending shockwaves through the Los Angeles radio scene, with reports indicating that hundreds of employees nationwide could soon receive termination notices. As autumn descends and the holiday season approaches, the turmoil at iHeart Media intensifies, deeply impacting local stations including KFI (640 AM) and Real 92.3 FM.
Just announced, among the first casualties of this wave of layoffs are notable personalities such as Morris W. O’Kelly, known as Mo’ Kelly, along with his producer Tawala Sharp and station Image Director Clay Roe. Also included is Chuck Dizzle from Real 92.3 FM. Each of these individuals boasted over a decade of service, with Roe being a 26-year veteran at KFI and instrumental in the station’s distinctive imaging.
The layoffs come amidst a backdrop of declining ratings and financial struggles, with KFI recently recording a low 2.9 share in September, its worst performance since at least 2019. Despite this, the station remains tied for 14th overall in the Los Angeles metro Nielsens. Sources close to the situation suggest that internal decisions, including diminished advertising budgets and a halved news department, have exacerbated KFI’s struggles.
While the station grapples with its identity post-CEO Robin Bertolucci’s departure, current programmer Brian Long has been unable to reverse the downward trend. Efforts to revitalize the station have proven ineffective, leading to this drastic course of action. Attempts to reach KFI for comment have gone unanswered as the situation unfolds.
In the corporate realm, iHeart Media’s CEO Bob Pittman continues to draw a hefty salary of $12,948,720 for 2024, a stark contrast to the 46% reduction in staff over the past decade. Critics are questioning the sustainability of such compensation amidst ongoing revenue losses stretching back 15 years.
Amidst the chaos, O’Kelly has taken to social media to maintain a positive outlook. He emphasized on Facebook, “All jobs end. It is not our lives or our health. Perspective is paramount. There is nothing to be sad about here.” O’Kelly, who also works as a correspondent for several major news networks, affirmed that this is not the end of his radio career. “Radio is in my blood,” he stated confidently.
As for KFI’s future programming, speculation suggests a shift towards syndicated shows or repeat broadcasts, which may not improve ratings but could be a cost-effective measure. Meanwhile, Chris Merrill has stepped in to fill the evening slot following the layoffs.
In another twist, the fate of Renae Ravey from Alt 98.7 FM has come under scrutiny as she reportedly filed a lawsuit against Jeff Fife for alleged defamation and wrongful termination due to age discrimination. Details of the case, which surfaced on September 2, indicate that Ravey claims Fife sought to replace her with a younger candidate. The lawsuit has raised eyebrows, particularly given the popularity of the “Woody Show” in which she participated.
The radio landscape in Los Angeles is shifting rapidly as these developments unfold. The impact of these layoffs and legal challenges will reverberate throughout the industry, leaving many employees and fans anxious about the future of their favorite stations and personalities. Stay tuned for updates as we follow this developing story closely.
