Emmis/Mediaco NY Makes Moves
• Lots of pre-holiday changes happening inside the Emmis/Mediaco New York broadcast complex, starting with the announcement that, after nearly 13 years as PD of Urban AC WBLS, Skip Dillard (left) has been promoted to the newly created role of VP of National Community Partnerships, while current WBLS APD Cynthia Smith (right) is elevated to Program Director.
In making the announcement, Market President Ron deCastro said of Dillard, “Skip has amazing relationships to elevate both the WBLS and Hot 97 brands and create a pathway for National advertisers to grow their relationship with the African American and Urban communities.” Weighing in on Smith’s elevation, deCastro said, “In the short time I’ve worked Cynthia, she has shown she has a great understanding of programming and is the perfect fit to lead the most iconic brand in America.” He added, “Skip and Cynthia are true leaders in their fields and committed to the communities we serve. It’s always excited when people reach new levels and I’m thrilled to provide new opportunities for this talented team.”
It was concurrently announced that longtime Gospel outlet WLIB-1190 AM is ending its local operations and will become an affiliate of the AURN Inspirational Network and Reach Media. Those operations will now be handled remotely from the Emmis HQ in Indianapolis.
A Thursday staff memo from Emmis Pres./COO Patrick Walsh, obtained by RAMP, reads, in part, “This evening, Emmis-owned WLIB-AM will transition to a daily gospel, inspiration, and information programming lineup that includes syndicated programming from American Urban Radio Network’s 24/7 Inspirational Network and Reach Media. After incurring significant financial losses, we reviewed our cost structure and local programming, commercial inventory, and block programming and made the difficult decision to transition to a network model. This decision resulted in eliminating the roles of one full-time and four part-time Emmis employees. Each of these employees received severance, and we are grateful for their contributions. Other employees who worked on WLIB will transition their efforts to Mediaco stations.”
