In a wave of cost-cutting measures at iHeartMedia last week , the company's Philadelphia cluster was hit hard. This included significant changes at Power 99 (WUSL-FM), the market's leading Hip Hop and R&B station, where the local "Rise & Grind Morning Show" was abruptly canceled.
To fill the 6-10 a.m. weekday slot starting Monday Power 99 will air "The Breakfast Club," a syndicated morning show from iHeartMedia's Premiere Networks, based at Power 105.1 (WWPR-FM) in New York City.
iHeartMedia's Executive Vice President of Programming, Thea Mitchem, praised the move: "The Breakfast Club has remained a cultural touchstone for over a decade, connecting millions of listeners with the biggest names in music, entertainment, and politics. Its unique blend of candid conversation, humor, and insight keeps it as relevant today as ever, shaping culture while giving a platform to voices that matter."
This syndication is part of a larger iHM strategy to leverage national hits amid local cuts, similar to how Angela Yee's midday show is already syndicated on Power 99.
While the change aims to maintain the station's edge in Philly's competitive Hip Hop scene, some locals have voiced skepticism about a NYC-based show resonating in Philadelphia.
Power 99, owned by iHeartMedia since 2000, has long been a powerhouse in the market, blending local flavor with national syndication to serve Philadelphia's diverse audience. This shift underscores the radio industry's pivot toward cost-efficient, high-reach content in an era of streaming dominance.