Cumulus Media began a new round of company-wide layoffs around November 11–12, 2026 (Thursday), affecting on-air talent, programmers, producers, promotions, and management at stations across multiple markets.
This is the second major round in 2026 (following cuts in August during the bankruptcy process). It comes weeks after Cumulus emerged from Chapter 11 on October 16, 2026, eliminating roughly $550–600 million in debt.
The company is now privately held, with Alden Global Capital (via Next Gen Radio Enterprises LLC) as the controlling shareholder (about 31.86% voting interest). Alden has a track record of significant staff reductions at newspapers it controls (e.g., Chicago Tribune, New York Daily News).
The total number of people affected has not been publicly disclosed by the company.
The total number of people affected has not been publicly disclosed by the company.
Known Staffers Who Lost Jobs (This Round)
Here is a compiled list of publicly reported departures tied to the current wave (primarily reported November 11–12):
Here is a compiled list of publicly reported departures tied to the current wave (primarily reported November 11–12):
- Albuquerque, NM (cluster including KKOB, KRST, Magic 99.5, etc.): Jeff Berry — Long-time Market Manager and Cumulus Vice President (about 12-year run).
- Eddie Haskell — APD/afternoon host at Country 92.3 KRST (third tenure with the station; prior programming roles in Denver, Norfolk, Detroit, etc.).
- Steph Griffin — Promotions Manager.
- Mike Trujillo and JJ Buck — Producers for News/Talk 770 KKOB / 96.3 KKOB-FM. (Additional on-air cuts occurred but were not fully named in reports.)
- Houston, TX: Kevin Quinn — APD and afternoon host at CHR 104.1 KRBE (14-year tenure; co-host Audrey Rose remains).
- Minneapolis, MN: Shannon Knight — Nights and weekends at Rock 93X (KXXR); previously at KQRS.
- Nashville, TN: Brian Wilson — “Host At Large”/fill-in at SuperTalk 99.7 WWTN (joined 2018; full-time role ended end of 2024; association ends ~November 15).
- Bel Kaeh — Producer (same round).
- Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, PA: Adam “Lazy E” Sieminski — Afternoon host at Rock 97.9X (WBSX; nearly 22 years, most of his career there).
- Bloomington, IL: Scott Miller — Longtime morning host at news-talk WJBC (announced Thursday).
- Faith Rinker — Morning host on country B104 and host on Top 40 WBNQ (nearly 25 years; abrupt exit announced Thursday).
- Atlanta, GA: Mike Moore — Program Director of New Country 101.5 (WKHX); joined 2019; Country Radio Hall of Fame (2024).
- Fresno, CA: Joe Castelan — Morning co-host at Kiss Country 93.7 (KSKS); joined 2023 (Kris Daniels remains solo).
- Westwood One (network): Andy Garcia — Regional manager of affiliate relations (sports side; ~18 years; based in Chicago area). He confirmed the departure on social media and continues as play-by-play voice for Northern Illinois University (NIU) Huskies sports.
Revenue pressures continue (spot revenue down significantly in earlier 2026 periods). CEO Mary Berner remains in place with a new board; she previously pledged to the FCC to maintain certain newsroom staffing levels for at least two years.