iHeartMedia taking on 'new structure,' laying off local DJs

iHeartMedia will be undergoing a "technology transformation" and utilizing a "new organizational structure" in 2020, the media group announced Tuesday.

The new direction means a period of layoffs are coming – and have already started – across the company.

Danny "DJ SAB" Scott, who said he was with Kiss107.1 for 15 years, said there have been rumors of layoffs within iHeartMedia for years.

"I've heard rumors that there was gonna be restructuring within iHeartMedia, and then I got a call this morning from them just saying that I was part of the cuts for this round of cuts," he said.

Scott, 38, of Newport, is not alone. The Courier-Journal reported that several radio shows and local hosts announced cuts Tuesday as well. Other sources have confirmed layoffs from iHeartMedia are country-wide – Billboard used the word "bloodbath." All Access started posting contact information for recently unemployed DJs on their website to help with redistribution of talent.

Scott said iHeartMedia's new direction intends to cut more local DJs and go for more syndicated, automated programming as a way to compete with music streaming services like Spotify and Pandora.

"There's just not as many listeners as there used to be," he said. "So it's what they have to do to survive and compete and I understand that as a business owner myself."

The release from iHeartMedia states the company will "take advantage of the significant investments it has made in technology and artificial intelligence."

The new systems will help the company to maximize the performance of each of its markets, the release states.

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“iHeart is the rare example of a major traditional media company that has made the successful transformation into a 21st century media company – one with unparalleled scale, reaching 91 percent of Americans each month with our broadcast assets alone, more than any other media company,” said Bob Pittman, Chairman and CEO of iHeartMedia. “We are now using our considerable investments in technology to modernize our operations and infrastructure, further setting us apart from traditional media companies; improving our services to our consumers and advertising partners; and enhancing the work environment for our employees.”

Scott's gig with Kiss107.1 was a part-time, weekend-only thing, he said. He also owns Energy nightclub and Fishbowl at The Banks. Scott said he's not as affected as others might be with the layoffs, and now will devote more of his time to his businesses. He said he has no bitter feelings towards iHeartMedia.

"I worked for one of the best, and I'm grateful for it," Scott said.

The Cincinnati iHeartMedia business office could not be reached for further comment Tuesday. It's not certain how many layoffs will be made in the region or when they will occur.

iHeartMedia owns the following Cincinnati stations: 700WLW, Kiss107.1, 102.7 WEBN, 55KRC, ESPN 1530, Fox Sports 1360, 100.7 and 106.3 The Project and 102.3 The Beat.

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