Boston Radio: iHM Fires WBZ 1030 PD Peter Casey

iHeartMedia has parted way with the Program Director/News Director of  NewsRadio WBZ 1030 AM.

Peter Casey

Peter Casey, who’d been with the station for 24 years, was terminated the day before Thanksgiving after iHeartMedia assumed ownership a week aho of WBZ 1030 following the merger of Entercom Communications Corp. and CBS Radio.

The Boston Globe reports Casey got emotional as he made the announcement to the WBZ newsroom Wednesday morning. In a note to the staff later in the day, he cited many of the great WBZ personalities he’d been privileged to work with, citing Dave Maynard, Gary LaPierre, Diane Stern, Anthony Silva, David Brudnoy, Paul Sullivan, and Dan Rea, in particular.

“The city has changed. The people have changed. What has never changed is the connection New Englanders have to this blowtorch of a radio station that pumps it out across the six states and beyond,” Casey wrote. “From the three towers on that sleepy little street in Hull to this address where Hall of Famers spend their days cranking out news all day every day. The audience knows that you care about them. They know because when the city is sheltering in place, you do, too. 

“I will cherish the memories of this place, of all of you and those that came before you,” he wrote. “I will keep those memories with me. I will keep them a part of me even as I walk out the door today on my very last day at WBZ NewsRadio 1030.”

Reached on his cell, Casey told The Boston Globe it had been a difficult day, but he had only nice things to say about the station’s new bosses.

“The [iHeartMedia] people have been terrific with me — respectful and impressive,” he said.

At least one local media critic said the firing of Casey, was the beginning of the dismantling of WBZ 1030.  An internal staff memo from iHM Regional VP/Programming Dylan Sprague used the word 'transition':

"This past weekend marked the beginning of the transition of WBZ-AM to iHeartMedia, and I want to let you know how excited we all are to have the WBZ-AM team join the iHeart family. WBZ is a Boston institution, and we have enormous respect and admiration for what you have accomplished to date — and what we know you will continue to accomplish. 

"I also wanted to update you on a change in programming leadership as we continue this transition.  Bill Flaherty, WBZ-AM’s Assistant Program Director, will now serve as interim Program Director for WBZ-AM.  I am impressed with Bill’s operational knowledge, strategic thinking and can-do attitude, and believe he will be the perfect leader to guide us through the transition. I also know that change can be hard, but when we embrace change we often discover fresh opportunities for growth and innovation. I am excited for what the future will bring for you, for us and for this great brand, and I’m committed to working with you to ensure that WBZ continues on its path as Boston’s most respected news and information leader. 

"I also want to say a few words about Peter Casey. There is no doubt that under his leadership this brand has excelled and established its leadership in the market. We deeply respect Peter and the contributions he has made to WBZ-AM over the years, and the impact he has left on WBZ and Boston radio will be felt for years to come. I also know that the WBZ-AM brand is strong and will continue to be powered by a team of expert, skilled professionals performing at the highest level, and I look forward to partnering with you to help WBZ reach its full potential."