Atlanta Radio: Audacy Guts Hot AC Star 94.1 FM

Audacy's Star 94.1 (WSTR-FM) in Atlanta, last week was part of  significant staff reductions as part of a broader cost-cutting initiative. 

The move left Jenn Hobby, the morning show host, as the only on-air personality retained at the station. The layoffs affected key roles, including the program director Jerry McKenna, afternoon host Mike Kannon, and mid-day/weekend host Skye Smith, among others. These cuts were reported on March 10, 2025, and reflect Audacy's efforts to streamline operations amid financial challenges.

Audacy, the second largest radio broadcasters in the U.S., has been grappling with shrinking revenues and substantial debt. The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2023 and emerged in September 2024 under new ownership led by Soros Fund Management. 

The workforce reductions in Atlanta are part of a nationwide effort to ensure financial resilience in a competitive media landscape. While the exact number of layoffs at Star 94.1 wasn’t specified, Billboard magazine reported that approximately 200 employees were let go across Audacy’s operations, citing an unnamed source.

Rodney Ho at The Atlanta Constitution writes Star 94.1, known for its Hot Adult Contemporary format targeting women aged 25-54, lost its local brand manager and two additional on-air voices, raising questions about its future programming direction. 

Jenn Hobby, a well-known Atlanta radio personality with a long career including stints on Q100’s “The Bert Show” and Kicks 101.5, remains the sole local host in the morning slot. It’s unclear whether Audacy plans to hire new local talent, rely on syndicated hosts from other markets, or shift to a more music-intensive format outside of Hobby’s show.

Audacy’s statement emphasized that these reductions were necessary to “stay competitive in a rapidly evolving media landscape” and to continue serving listeners and advertisers effectively.