More Layoffs Underway At iHeartMedia

• UPDATED 7/6:

• Josh Martinez exits nights on Z100/New York after five years. Martinez (left), who also tracked nights on WKSC (103.5 Kiss FM)/Chicago, earned the upgrade to Z100 in May 2021, transferring from the PD post at sister WKFS (Kiss 107)/Cincinnati. Martinez earlier programmed Top 40/Country WCHD (Channel 99.9) and WYDB (B94.5)/Dayton, OH and Top 40 KOSY (Y95.7)/Cedar Rapids, IA. Before that he was MD/night jock/imaging director at iHeart Top 40 KKDM (107.5 Kiss FM)/Des Moines, IA. New York native Martinez began his radio career at WKTU/New York.

Martinez posted a video update to Instagram. He can be contacted at joshlmartinez42@gmail.com. [Photo by Rachel Kaplan]

• Kwazi Hewlett — Creative Services Director for iHeart’s Los Angeles office for 11 years; also did imaging for the National team and some custom stations. Total of 24 years with the company, including 13 years in New York. Reach him at KwaziKwaz@gmail.com.

• Tony Tilford, 40-year industry pro, Director of Rock Programming for iHeartMedia Kentucky, programmed WQMF/Louisville and WKQQ/Lexington. In his not-so-spare time Tilford did middays on WQMF, afternoon drive on WTUE/Dayton, middays on WKQQ, and weekends on iHeart Classic Rock Custom.

Previous PD stops include WMMS/Cleveland, WFBQ (Q95)/Indianapolis, and WTUE/Dayton. Tilford is open to discussing future opportunities, and can be reached at tilf@outlook.com.

• Kristin Lessard and Steve Kelly have exited mornings on Classic Hits WWBB (B101)/Providence. The duo had also handled mornings on Classic Hits sister WCIB (Cool 102)/Cape Cod until last year. Lessard had been with the cluster since 2005; she previously worked at WBOS and WROR/Boston from 2000-2005.

Kelly was upped from Production Director to Lessard’s co-host in Jan. 2018. He earlier served as Prod. Director at iHeartMedia Hartford, and spent 17 years in afternoon drive on Country WKLB/Boston under former owner Greater Media until March 2015. Kelly has also cracked the mic at iHeart sisters WBWL (101.7 The Bull)/Boston and WHCN (The River 105.9)/Hartford. Kristin Lessard can be accessed at 401-741-5951 or kristinlessard@cox.net; Reach out to Steve Kelly at 508-207-6801 or stevekellyimaging@gmail.com.

• Across the hall at heritage Mainstream Rock WHJY (94HJY), RAMP has learned that Paul Fuller and Al Matthews, who celebrate their 36th anniversary in mornings on July 15, will be leaving in September.

• Yet another casualty is Scott Stevens, VP of Programming for iHeart’s Roanoke/Lynchburg, VA group and afternoon talent on WYYD (New Country 107.9 YYD)/Roanoke-Lynchburg. Stevens broke the news last Friday via his Facebook page.

• Chris Kelly, 30-year radio pro, most recently SVP of Programming, overseeing the Ashland/Mansfield, Marion, and Defiance, OH markets since 2019, and previously provided programming oversight for the Parkersburg and Wheeling, WV markets. Also did PM drive on WYHT (Y105)/Mansfield and weekends on WNCI/Columbus.

“I have sincerely appreciated my time at iHeartMedia and am grateful for all the opportunities I have had,” Kelly said. “The mentorship and support I have received have been instrumental to my success. I am looking forward to the next chapter in my career, whatever it may entail, and I wish continued success for my colleagues. As many in this industry understand, it can be unpredictable, but it is important to maintain professionalism and stay resilient. That is the approach I intend to take moving forward.” Kelly can be reached at kasjustin@gmail.com.

• “KiddChris” Foley is gone from mornings on WEBN/Cincinnati after 14 years. His co-host Sara Elyse is now listed as solo in morning drive.

Foley, whose earlier stops include the former WKLS (Project 9-6-1)/Atlanta, WYSP/Philadelphia, KUFO/Portland, OR, KSRX/San Antonio and KXOA/Sacramento, to name a few, shared his news in a lengthy Facebook post that reads, in part, Let’s just get right to it. June 24, 2026, was my last day on WEBN. I’ve said it before, and anyone who knows this business knows it too: this is radio. It’s a business, and cutbacks are part of it. Is it a bummer? Yeah. It absolutely is. But more than anything, I want to say THANK YOU! Almost 14 years. Damn. That’s about 12 and a half years longer than I thought I would last, and probably longer than a lot of other people thought too. But somehow, Cincinnati let me stick around… I will never take that for granted.” He added, “I also want to thank iHeartMedia. They hired me when I had been out of work for two years and didn’t know what was next. They took a chance on me, and because of that chance, they gave me and my family an incredible life. Behind the scenes, especially here locally, they were there for me during some really tough personal times. I will never forget that.”

• Over the weekend we heard from Curt Williams, who is now figuratively — and literally — on the beach in Hawaii, as he was terminated from his 32-year run in afternoon drive on heritage AC 92.3 KSSK/Honolulu. He can be reached at cwilliams923@gmail.com.

• There has been a decidedly dubious development inside iHeart’s Des Moines group — the company’s only two in-market female air personalities have been let go — 27-year market pro Heather Burnside, an 11-year veteran of Adult Hits KDRB (100.3 The Bus) and Sports-Talk KXNO, along with Chloe Tyson, who was fired from her afternoon drive spot on Top 40 KKDM (107.5 Kiss FM) after three years. As one market observer noted, “That leaves zero in-market personalities at two big music stations in a successful midmarket cluster, and no fulltime women hosts left to sell as endorsers/influencers.”

This was Burnside’s second iHeart termination — you may recall that back in early 2020, the company fired six employees of KXNO, including Burnside and PD Sean Roberts, only to reverse course and rehire them days later after listeners rebelled.

Heather Burnside can be contacted at heatherlburnside@gmail.com. Reach Chloe Tyson at Chloeontheair@gmail.com.

• Scott Davidson, Nat’l correspondent for iHeart National Sports Network and Sports Gambling Expert for WTAM/Cleveland  (6 years); Middays at WHOF (Sunny 101.7)/Canton, and weekends on WMJI (Majic105.7) Cleveland. Contact him at davidson1023@gmail.com.

• Dan Holzman, 30-year veteran of News-Talk 790 WAEB/Allentown, PA exits as morning news anchor. Holzman also anchored news for PA sister stations WRAK/Williamsport and WHP/Harrisburg. He can be reached at danholzman70@outlook.com.

 • Trevor D exits as morning host after 23 years at Top 40 KKXL (XL 93)/Grand Forks, ND. In a Facebook post, Trevor said, in part, “For those who don’t know, I moved to Grand Forks to attend the University of North Dakota back in the 90s (no need for an ‘old’ joke please). Soon thereafter, I became an unpaid intern at XL93. I took over the night show a couple of years later, then in 2003, with no experience and not much knowledge ‘The Trevor D in the Morning Show’ was born. I have had numerous opportunities to leave, but for whatever reason, I remained in Grand Forks every time. I have got to work with so many amazing people in this city who aren’t like family to me… They are family.”

• Amanda Flores is out as midday personality at AC KODA (Sunny 99.1)/Houston and KDGE (Star 102.1)/Dallas, as well as numerous other stations across the country. In an Instagram post, Flores said, “I’d like to thank every one of you who listened to me on air in the RGV, Houston, Dallas, Sacramento, San Antonio, Portland. You were always the best part of my day and why I pursued radio all these years. I was able to accomplish so much. Great ratings, build a station from the ground up, a Marconi Award, raising millions of dollars for St Jude. So, lots of emotions. I’m upset, disappointed, sad because I know I will miss you so much. Again, thank you for letting me keep you company every on air shift. Love you bye.”

• Doc Reno, 24 years in afternoon drive at WBGG (BIG 105.9)/Miami. He can be contacted at docreno@gmail.com. He will be staying in South Florida.

• Jon Jeffries: Executive Producer, iHeart Sports Radio Network, (in charge of 51 markets). Previous stops include anchoring for Fox Sports, and nationally for Sporting News Radio, and locally in Los Angeles, Houston, Atlanta, Phoenix. He can be contacted at jonjeffriesvoiceoverartist.com or 323-219-9671.

• Tough day in the now too damn quiet hallways of 99.1 KGGI/Riverside, as RAMP has confirmed the departures of midday talent Evelyn Erives, afternoon host/Promotions Director Garrison King and night talent, Nick Nack. Erives has been with the station for 25 years; the first 20 in mornings and the past four in middays. She also served as Public Service Director for the market and PD of KMYT & KTMQ/Temecula, among other roles. Erives can be reached at evelynerives@gmail.com; contact King at garrisonking@outlook.com; and Mr. Nack at booknicknack@gmail.com.

• Steve Allan — Based in Sussex, NJ since late 2013. Most recently PD of WSUS, WNNJ, & WHCY/Sussex; WTRY-FM, WKKF-FM, & WRVE-HD-2/Albany, NY; and WBWZ, WCTW, WPKF, & WZCR/Poughkeepsie, NY. Allan also did afternoons on WSUS, and was Director Of Talent Content for the AC Format. Allan earlier worked at WBMX/Boston. He can be reached at 774-266-0385 or sba15@aol.com.

• Julie Dunn — 18.5 years at iHeart. Program Director of seven stations, including WDVI/Rochester NY, and WBBS & WYYY (Y94)/Syracuse, NY. She was also on-air at WDVI & WYYY. Dunn is reachable at juliedunn6685@gmail.com.

• Michael Blaze is out as PD/afternoon host on Classic Rock WRFQ (Q104.5)/Charleston, SC after 27 years. Read his departure post on Facebook.

• Radio Insight reports “Captain Tony” McGinty exits as Program Director and morning co-host at Hot AC WKDD/Akron, OH. Reach him at tmcginty0@gmail.com. In Atlantic City, the cluster has released two heritage morning shows — Joe Borsello and Scott Reilly exit the JoJo & Scotty Morning Show on Mainstream Rock 100.7 WZXL after 17 years, while across the hall, Diane Mitchell and Mike Kelso are gone from Top 40 95.1 WAYV. Borsello shared his news of his departure in a Facebook post, while Kelso used Instagram.

• Dan Stansbury appears to have vanished from WRQK (Rock 106.9)/Canton, OH after nearly 12 years, as The Stansbury Show page has been removed. Interestingly, now former WKDD morning host Tony McGinty co-hosted The Stansbury Show a few years back.

• We understand that nearly all programming employees in Savannah and Brunswick, GA are gone, including Scott Ryfun, VP of Programming for South Georgia and morning host on News-Talk 98.7 WGIG.

• And in Des Moines, IA, Sports-Talk KXNO-AM/FM has terminated its morning and afternoon shows, the later of which was co-hosted by now former PD Sean Roberts. Across the hall, Emery Songer exits as midday host on News-Talk duo WHO-AM/Des Moines and 600 WMT/Cedar Rapids.

• Nathan Nelson, VP of Programming, Kentucky Area, a 16-year iHeart vet. Email him at Nathan.nelson89@gmail.com.

• Spencer Graves, Mornings, WDXB/Birmingham & WDRM/Huntsville, AL. “Decisions like this are difficult for everyone involved,” Graves tells RAMP. “I’d like to personally thank Tony Travatto, Dino Conard, Blake Fulton and Ronnie Bloodworth for their faith in me. Also, the incredible communities of Birmingham and Huntsville. I was honored to be a part of two legendary Country stations, WDRM and WDXB. I’ve always appreciated the saying, leave things better than when you found it and we did that. Ratings, personal revenue and record setting numbers.” Graves can be reached at SpencerGraves@yahoo.com.

• Lois “Double-L” Lewis, MD/middays, KNIX/Phoenix — Contact her at doubleLradio@gmail.com.

• Clint Gerlek, VP of Programming, Springfield, MO and middays on KSWF, and Bo Dalton, pm driver on KKIX/Fayetteville, KSSN/Little Rock & KMAG/Fort Smith, AR. Reach Gerlick at clntgrlk@gmail.com and Dalton at BoDalton@gmail.com.

• Bret Saunders is out after nearly three decades in morning drive at Triple A KBCO/Boulder-Denver, “Thank you for 28+ years,” Saunders posted. “I’ve loved every day with you, and being a small part of your lives has been my greatest honor and pleasure. My time at KBCO has come to an end. I will miss the laughs, the countless people I’ve met, and being a part of the community… I will check in again soon, but for now, just know I delighted in being with you.”

• Brian “Crash” Edwards — VP of Programming for iHeart Mobile/Pensacola, PD/afternoons on Active Rock WTKX (TK101), middays on Classic Rock WRKH (96.1 The Rocket), afternoons on KWNW (Rock 102)/Memphis, and VO talent & programmer of FloraBama Radio. “It was a great nine-year run on the Gulf Coast, & I appreciate my 25 years with the company,” Edwards tells RAMP. “I’m looking forward to my next stop of this adventure we call radio.” Reach Crash at crashedwards@gmail.com.

• Boston Radio Watch reports Chris Zito is out of mornings on AC WSRS/Worcester and Hot AC WHYN (Mix 93-1)/Springfield, MA after 14 years. Zito formerly did mornings on former Classic Hits WODS (Oldies 103)/Boston.

• Madison Reeves exits afternoons at Country WDXB (102.5 The Bull)/Birmingham, and middays at Country WSSL (Whistle 100.5)/Greenville, SC and Hot AC KTCZ (Cities 97.1)/Minneapolis.

Reeves posted: “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. I don’t know what comes next, but I have faith that God has great plans for me!” Email her at madisonbrookeradio@outlook.com.

• Mike Kelly, a longtime fixture in mornings — and earlier, afternoons — has left Top 40 WAEB (B104)/Allentown, PA. “Well it was bound to happen. I’ve been let go,” Kelly posted to Facebook. “No long speeches. Just thanks for the ride. Also I’m available for shots. Due to recent circumstances you will have to buy the second round.”

• Erica “Ms. EKlass” Coleman exits afternoons at WZRL (Real 98.3)/Indianapolis and WTFX (Real 93.1)/Louisville, along with tracking in additional markets. “Welp, today was officially my last day on the air… for now,” she posted to Facebook. “I was impacted by the latest round of layoffs at iHeartMedia. I’ve been in radio since 2007 and on the air since 2010. In all those years, this is the first time I’ve experienced something like this, and if I’m being honest, I’m still trying to wrap my head around it. Whether you listened in Indianapolis, Louisville, Atlanta, Columbus, Detroit, Nashville, Raleigh, Memphis, or anywhere else along this iHeart journey, thank you.”

• Tony Mott exits his dual St. Louis roles as afternoon talent on Classic Hits 103.3 KLOU and weekends/fill-in on Country KSD (93.7 The Bull), along with nights on Classic Hits KQQL (Kool 108)/Minneapolis. Mott was the artist formerly known as “Whipping Boy” as a former cast member of The Woody Show during its early days on KPNT/St. Louis, later KITS (Live 105)/San Francisco, and the show’s Premiere Networks flagship, KYSR (Alt 98.7)/Los Angeles.

“Well I hate to say it, but it was a good run,” Mott posted. “I am no longer employed. It was fun, and thanks to all that made it that way. In this journey I was able to take steps outside my comfort zone and I am better for it. Now I can finally start on my novel.” Email Mr. Mott at TTTSTL@gmail.com.

• We have learned of two major departures from iHeart Columbus: 1) Chris Davis, 25-year cluster veteran, was doing afternoons on WNCI and middays on Classic Hits WODC (93.3 The Bus), along with tracked shows in 6-7 other markets. 2) Joe Kelly, cluster APD; APD/MD at WNCI, nights on Country 92.3 WCOL; Production Director; Regional APD South Ohio Region. Contact him at JoeKelly979@gmail.com.

• The long running Morning Freakshow has been terminated at Rhythmic WBTT (105.5 The Beat)/Fort Myers. Host “Flyin’ Brian” Jameson posted the news of his departure to Facebook, saying, “After almost 25 years of rocking mornings at 105.5 The Beat, The Freakshow has been let go from iHeartMedia and is off the air. We were assured it had nothing to do with our performance and we hold no ill will.” He added, “The Freakshow will return someday in some way and I only hope you’re there again like you have been all these years. Keep an eye on this page for more. Big things on the way!”

> Jameson’s departure also affects listeners in Boston, where Jameson was also tracking nights at Classic Rock sister 100.7 WZLX.

• Brodie exits as PD/pm drive talent at Top 40 WWXM (Mix 97.7)/Myrtle Beach, SC. He was also tracking afternoons on WNOK/Columbia, SC and WAEV (97.3 Kiss FM)/Savannah GA. Brodie joined WWXM in January 2019 after a decade as APD/MD/morning talent at former Cumulus Top 40 KCHZ/Kansas City. Brodie’s exit Facebook post was brief: “Well… iHeart got me again.”

• Mike Miller, SVP of Programming, Harrisburg, Lancaster & Williamsport, PA, an iHeart employee since joining WLAN/Lancaster in 1998. Launched WHKF/Harrisburg in 2001, went on to work at KKRZ/Portland,WIOQ/Philly, and WZFT/Baltimore, to name a few. “I’m really happy with the run I had. I did some incredible things, met some amazing people and created friendships that’ll last a lifetime,” Miller tells RAMP. “Wouldn’t trade it for anything else in this world. I’m truly thankful.” Reach Miller at mike@mixedupproductions.com.

• Particularly bad day inside iHeart’s Fresno broadcast complex, as RAMP learned of the departure of at least four longtime cluster veterans: Chris Squires, PD of KALZ (Power Talk 96.7 & 1400) & KCBL-AM (Fox Sports Radio 1340) • Trevor Carey, afternoon talk host on Power Talk • Ryan Westenberg, Producer for Fresno State Athletics & The Trevor Carey Show, and Jizzo, afternoon jock on KBOS (B95), a 21-year station veteran. Reach out to Westenberg at westdog1@comcast.net.

Country Aircheck also shared these latest Country exits: Sam “Diggedy” Segovia, OM/PD of KHGE (102.7 The Wolf)/Fresno and 92.7 KTOM/Monterey • Joel Shimer, nights on WDSD/Wilmington, DE. Reach him at Joel@joelonair.com • Amy James, midday talent, KEEY (K102)/Minneapolis. James started at K102 in July 2005 from Y94/Fargo, ND. Contact her at amyjames2879@gmail.com • Jeremy Newman, middays on WDVI (Country 100.5)/Rochester, NY, who posted this note to Facebook: “A few weeks ago I told iHeart I was moving back to Texas when my contract expired in October. They just called and moved up my last day. It’s today! So, after 22 years I’m leaving ROC.” Reach out to Newman at newman@229bass.com.

Country Aircheck also reports the following departures:

• Denise Plante, a 30-year Emmy Award-winning Denver media pro and the first and only female inducted into the Colorado Broadcasting Hall Of Fame, exits middays on KWBL (106.7 The Bull) after eight years. Earlier Mile High stops include KOSI, KALC and KIMN. Plante still hosts Great Day Colorado live weekdays at 9am on CW2/Fox31. Reach her at Deniseplantetv@gmail.com.

• Bob Delmont, midday talent on WPOC/Baltimore for 27 years. He also hosted 6am-noon on most of iHeart’s Classic Country stations. Reach him at Bobdelmontvo@gmail.com.

• Pat Leuck and Dani Lynn Howe exit mornings on WLLR/Quad Cities. Howe also handled afternoons on KKSY/Cedar Rapids. Contact her at danielehowe@hotmail.com.

• Kathi “Larson” Yeager, evening personality for all of iHeart’s Classic Country stations nationwide; reach her at KathiYeager.ky@gmail.com.

• Dave DeVille, SVP of Programming for iHeart Eau Claire, WI and Rochester, MN. Find him at info@davedeville.com.

• Frankie D, longtime afternoon talent and former APD of KTEX/McAllen-Brownsville, TX.

• RAMP is standing by, as always, to help anyone who has been downsized to share their info with potential future employers. Please email Kevin@RAMP247.com.