***Update: iHeartMedia layoffs include 5 radio DJs in Syracuse, ‘a bloodbath’ nationwide

The nation’s largest owner of radio stations is reportedly undergoing massive layoffs nationwide.

iHeartMedia announced “a new organizational structure for its Markets Group as it modernizes the company to take advantage of the significant investments it has made in technology and artificial intelligence (AI) and its unique scale and leadership position in the audio marketplace,” the company announced Tuesday. “The new structure will enable the company to maximize the performance of each of its markets – and the company overall -- with its unique scale and multiple platforms; leadership in audio; and its expertise in consumers, monetization and data, and enhance iHeartMedia’s position as the number one audio company in America.”

According to All Access, a memo sent to staff informed them that the revamp will lead to “employee dislocation," including layoffs. It’s unclear how many jobs will be cut, but every iHeartRadio website has removed the personal blogs and bios for its on-air personalities at more than 850 radio stations.

“Over the past few days the industry has been buzzing about major cuts coming to the company, in particular to the smallest markets,” Lance Renta wrote in the industry publication. “In particular, the programming and on-air talent remaining will be expected to provide content for multiple stations with the use of upgraded automation systems and integrations within.”

Radio DJs who have been laid off include:

— Pat McMahon, morning show host on Y94FM (WYYY 94.5 FM) in Syracuse and on-air personality at Mix 100.5 in Rochester

— Y94/B104.7 (WBBS-FM) on-air personality Daryl Thomas Ledyard

— Longtime Central New York voice Jim Dunagan, a.k.a. “Big Jim Donovan," at Y94FM and NewsRadio 570 WSYR

— HOT 107.9 (WWHT-FM) DJ and program director Cory “Kobe” Fargo in Syracuse

— “Brother Wease” morning show producer Billy D’Ettorre at Radio 95.1 (WAIO-FM) in Rochester

— WKIP (1450 AM) news director Cameron Hendricks in Poughkeepsie

— Program director and on-air host Jaleel “J-Will” Williams at Kiss 96.1 (WPKF-FM) and Z93 (WBWZ 93.3 FM) in Poughkeepsie

“Today was my last day on Y94, Mix 100.5 and a bunch of stations nationwide that I was honored to be on and a part of,” McMahon, who co-hosted the “Pauly & Pat" morning show on Y94FM since 2014, wrote on Facebook. “Thank you to everyone I worked with and for. It was fun and I got to accomplish so many goals. It was truly my honor. To the future!”

“Today was my last day at Y94 and B104.7 Syracuse and iHeartRadio. Thanks to all the talented people I have had the privilege to work with at 500 Plum Street,” Ledard said.

“Today was my last day at @hot1079syracuse @KC1013 and iHeart Syracuse,” Kobe tweeted. “I’d like to thank all my bosses, peers and everyone who gave me this amazing opportunity for the last 5 years! Thank you for listening, I’m excited for whatever new opportunities may be in store.”

“I’ll have to add my voice to the chorus of iHeartMedia people on the outside looking in,” Dunagan said on Facebook. “It’s my last day at Y94 and WSYR. I am so grateful to Rich Lauber for giving me a chance to get back into radio 10 years ago. I will miss seeing all the friends I made, but hope we will stay in touch. I have my own next chapter in higher education get busy on, so there’s a lot to be happy about.”

iHeartMedia-owned stations in Syracuse include Y94FM, B104.7, Hot 107.9, NewsRadio 570 WSYR and Power 620. B104.7 (WBBS-FM) morning show hosts Tom & Becky retired from the country radio station last month after more than a decade on-air together.

iHeartRadio stations in Upstate New York also include Mix 100.5, KISS 106.7, News Radio WHAM 1180, 107.3 The Bull, Fox Sports 1280 and Sunny 102.3 in Rochester; KISS 102.3, News Radio 810 WGY, 99.5 The River, 98.3 TRY and PYX 106 in Albany; and Now 105.7, Mix 103.3, US 96.9, B107.5, Fox Sports 1430 and 92.5 KGB in Binghamton.

According to Radio Insight, other layoffs include Sports 1460 KXNO Des Moines Program Director Andrew Downs and several radio hosts at the Iowa station; Johnny Maze, a program director for three radio stations in Huntsville, Alabama; News/Talk 570 WWNC host Pete Kaliner in Asheville, North Carolina; and Sports “The Big 1070” WTSO morning host Mike Lucas in Madison, Wisconsin. All Access reports others include Aaron Zytle in Waco, Texas; Chuck Knight at KQXT in San Antonio; Doug “Kramer” in Little Rock; Ed “H-wood” Nieves in Miami-Fort Lauderdale; Mike Preston at iHeartMedia Baltimore; Sunny 101.7/99.7 host Scott Davidson in Canton, Ohio; WKSL program director Skip Kelly in Jacksonville, Florida; and Wendy Rollins in Atlanta and Philadelphia.

iHeartMedia, formerly known as Clear Channel, said in a statement it would consolidate some of its work into “Centers of Excellence,” using AI to “provide a better experience for listeners and business partners and a more efficient process for all of its employees.”

“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% 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.”

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