Year-End Downsizing At Hubbard Chicago

• Longtime Chicago media journalist Robert Feder reports that Hubbard Radio Chicago eliminated as many as 11 positions on Tuesday, part of some year-end budget cuts. According to Feder, the layoffs included two overnight personalities — Mike Roberts of Hot AC WTMX (101.9 The Mix), a 35-year veteran, and Brian Travis on AC WSHE (100.3 SHE).

We understand those shifts will now be automated and overseen by Greg Easterling, who will continue to pilot the midnight to 5:30am shift on Classic Rock sister WDRV (97.1 The Drive). Feder says Hubbard Radio Chicago had been among the last of the local radio groups to broadcast live 24 hours a day at all of its stations. In addition to those two overnight positions, insiders tell Feder that nine other full-time and part-time jobs were eliminated in programming, traffic, support and other areas.

RAMP reached out to Jeff England, VP/Market Manager of Hubbard Radio Chicago, who declined to comment on specific numbers, titles or names out of respect for those who were adversely affected, but he did offer us the same statement he had given to Feder, which read, “As technology evolves, we have to look for ways to use it to our advantage. The difficult decision to reduce staff is an effort to remain competitive in a very challenging environment.”