Yes, More iHeartMedia Departures
• RAMP has learned of additional employees leaving iHeartMedia during the company’s most recent RIF:
As she was signing off from her final broadcast, Sharp expressed her thanks to her fans and her gratitude to the company, as she said, “I want to thank iHeartRadio for inviting me to do my last show here on KOST 103.5. In the radio world, that’s almost never done — and I really appreciate this opportunity to say goodbye to you. I want to also thank the amazing program directors in my life — they’re part of my radio family who I love and cherish. Jhani Kaye, my very first PD here at KOST, Johnny Chiang, Stella Prado Kuipers, Michael La Crosse, Jill Kempton, and John Peake. Also, thanks to all my KOST on-air talent, all my girls — I’m talking about my producers… there’s so many of them, but you know who you are and I love you.”
To get a glimpse of just how beloved Ms. Sharp is to her legions of listeners and longtime colleagues, look no further than the hundreds of emotional posts on her Facebook page.
• San Francisco: Dreena Gonzalez exits her midday spot at KYLD (Wild 94.9) after a 16-year run. She had also lent her talents to a bunch of iHeart stations nationwide. Gonzalez’ relationship with KYLD dates back to her first radio break as an intern back in the day, which eventually resulted in her elevation to middays.
In an Instagram post, Gonzalez said, in part, “After an incredible run in radio, it’s time to say goodbye to the airwaves. Earlier this week, I was one of the many people let go from iHeartRadio — but honestly, it’s all LOVE! Radio has changed so much over the years, and while I’ll never take my time in the industry for granted, it’s just not the same as it once was. Somewhere along the way, I fell out of love with it, and that’s okay. So please don’t be sad for me. I’m in a really good space and genuinely excited for what’s next.”
• Boston: Winnie Akoury exits as Producer/co-Host of Billy & Lisa In The Morning at WXKS (Kiss 108) after seven years. Akoury originally joined Kiss 108 as an intern and promotions assistant and worked her way up into the morning show cast. Hosts Billy Costa and Lisa Donovan, and producer Justin Aguirre remain in place.
The Boston Globe covered the news of Akoury’s unscheduled departure, while also confirming that across the hall on Rhythmic sibling WJMN (JAM’N 94.5), DJ 4eign had exited the cast of Ashlee and the JAM’N Morning Show.
• Charlotte: The Miguel & Holly morning show is out at Top 40 WHQC (Hits 96.1) after 3 1/2 years. Miguel Fuller and Holly O’Connor made the move to iHeart Charlotte in February 2022 after seven years in mornings at CMG Top 40 WPOI (Hot 101.5)/Tampa, and before that, mornings on former Magic Broadcasting Top 40 WILN (Island 106)/Panama City Beach, FL. Earlier in their career, Fuller and O’Connor, along with Steve “That Guy” Kramer did a two-year stint in mornings on former CBS Radio Adult Top 40 WSJT (Play 98.7)/Tampa.
Their producer, “Kelbin Live” Ramirez is also out. A glance at the HITS 96.1 schedule now shows E. White, PD of Classic Rock sister WRDU covering mornings.
As always, if you or a colleague were recently downsized from any industry position and would like your contact information shared in RAMP, please email Kevin@RAMP247.com.
