Bloodbath At Audacy Stations Nationwide

On Thursday, employees across the United States at Audacy, received disheartening news as the company implemented a series of layoffs affecting various stations and roles. The cuts, part of a broader restructuring effort, touched numerous markets and personalities, including some high-profile figures in the radio industry.

Among those impacted was David O’Leary, a beloved voice at Boston’s Magic 106.7 (WMJX), who announced his departure after two decades with the station. 

David O'Leary

O’Leary, a fixture in the Boston radio scene, shared the news with his listeners and followers via social media. “A little news: After 20 marvelous years at MAGIC 106.7, my time there has come to an end,” he wrote. Reflecting on the volatility of the broadcasting world, he added, “Broadcasting is an exciting and often unpredictable industry, and the company is making some cutbacks.” Despite the abrupt end to his tenure, O’Leary remained optimistic, stating, “I’m absolutely fine, and excited about what’s ahead for me.” In a heartfelt farewell, he expressed gratitude to his colleagues, giving special mention to Sue Tabb and Kendra the Entertainer. “I’ll miss you, but am incredibly proud of our time together and the great work we did on the air. I’m excited for what’s ahead!” he concluded.

Another casualty of the layoffs was Lucy Burdge, a familiar name in Boston media circles. Burdge, who previously worked at sports radio station WEEI before transitioning to a sports betting host role at Audacy’s BetQL network, also saw her time with the company come to an end. In her own social media post, she reflected on her decade-long journey with Audacy. “After 10 years with Audacy, today was my last day,” she wrote. “I am deeply grateful for all of the opportunities, experiences and mostly the wonderful people I worked with in the past decade and I’m looking forward to what’s next.” Her departure marks the end of a significant chapter that spanned multiple platforms and roles within the company.

Lucy Burdge

The layoffs were not confined to Boston but rippled across Audacy’s nationwide network of radio stations. Audacy, which owns WEEI, Magic 106.7, and several other Boston-area stations, as well as properties in markets across the country, has been navigating a challenging period. The company emerged from bankruptcy in 2023 after restructuring its finances, but the latest cuts signal ongoing efforts to stabilize and adapt to a shifting media environment.

In an official statement, an Audacy spokesperson addressed the workforce reductions, framing them as a strategic necessity. “Audacy has made workforce reductions to ensure a strong and resilient future for the business,” the spokesperson said. “We are streamlining resources to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving media landscape and to best position Audacy to continue serving listeners and advertisers with excellence.” The statement underscored the company’s intent to remain a key player in the industry despite the difficult decisions.

The layoffs come at a time when the media industry as a whole faces mounting pressures, including competition from digital platforms, changing listener habits, and economic uncertainty. For Audacy, which operates over 200 radio stations nationwide and produces podcasts and digital content, the cuts reflect a broader trend of consolidation and cost-cutting. Employees and observers alike have noted the emotional toll of such changes, with veteran broadcasters like O’Leary and Burdge expressing both gratitude for their past and hope for their future, even as the company they leave behind recalibrates its path forward.

Here’s an overview of some notable departures (first compiled by Radio Insight):

• 
  Baltimore: Priestly (right), after 18 years hosting afternoons at Hot AC “Mix 106.5” WWMX, announced his exit, expressing gratitude to listeners: “It’s with a heavy heart… the Priestly on Mix 106.5 radio show is no more. Thank you so much, I love you.”
• Boston: David O’Leary, morning host at AC “Magic 106.7” WMJX for 20 years, shared, “My time there has come to an end… I’m excited for what’s ahead!” Erin O’Malley, after 24 years at Hot AC “Mix 104.1” WWBX, reflected, “I’ve worked with the best people… I never imagined I could save someone’s life one day by sharing my breast cancer journey.”
• Detroit: Aricka McCauley resigned from middays at Classic Hits 104.3 WOMC, noting, “I love radio, but not practicing my skill in studio took out why I got into it—live and local.”
• Greensboro: Dale O’Brian exited as morning host at Country “93.1 The Wolf” WPAW-FM after joining in 2016, while Charley McCain left her producer/co-host role at “98.7 Simon” WSMW after 18 years.
• Kansas City: The Johnny Dare Morning Show ended its 32-year run on Rock 98.9 KQRC, with a final show set for March 7. Brian ‘Ponch’ Hudgens and Nikki Vivas departed mornings at Hot AC “99.7 The Point” KZPT.
• Minneapolis: News/Talk 830 WCCO cut local evening programming, parting with hosts Henry Lake and Chris Tubbs.
• New Orleans: Thomas ‘Jammer’ Naylor stepped down as Regional VP/Programming and PD of CHR “B97” WEZB after over 20 years.
• Philadelphia: Trey Morgan left his afternoon slot at Classic Hits “Big 98.1” WOGL, thanking his journey across major markets.
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  New York: Annie Leamy (right) exited as morning co-host at Classic Hits 101.1 WCBS-FM, calling it “a fantastic run,” while Marc Ernay departed as Sports Director at News 1010 WINS after over two decades.
• Portland: Jaime ‘JT’ Tanchyk left as Brand Manager of Hot AC “Bella 105” KRSK, grateful for radio leading him to his wife and friends.
• San Diego: Annie Heilbrunn and Craig Elsten exited middays at Sports “97.3 The Fan” KWFN after joining in 2024.
• Wichita: ‘J.R. Cruz’ Gonzalez parted ways with Classic Hits 103.7 KEYN amid medical challenges, planning to recover in Houston.
• National Roles: Nick Ashooh, Lucy Burdge, Joe Cingrana, and others in digital and betting content roles, including BetMGM Network staff, were also cut, expressing appreciation for their time at Audacy.

An Audacy spokesperson stated, “We are streamlining resources to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving media landscape,” reflecting the company’s post-bankruptcy efforts to adapt. The cuts highlight the ongoing challenges in radio, with departing staffers sharing a mix of nostalgia, resilience, and hope for the future.