Mass Layoffs at iHeart Radio Include Geoff Charles, Called a “Bloodbath” Nationally

Mass Layoffs at iHeart Radio Include Geoff Charles, Called a “Bloodbath” Nationally

Billboard magazine’s headline is “iHeartMedia Staff Hit With Layoffs Across the Country: 'It's Been a Bloodbath.'"

In Providence, the early reports are that at WHJY, local on-air celebrities are being cut including WHJY’s longtime jocks Geoff Charles, Pete Silva and other part-time on-air personalities. 

The corporate move by iHeart Media is to continue to replace local talent with programmed feeds. In the market, iHeart owns news station WHJJ, hard rock WHJY, Coast93.3, and B101.

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“Hi everyone. 94HJY-The Home of Rock and Roll has just informed me I am no longer an employee, after 30 years, due to corporate restructuring. Thanks for all your love and support for the last three decades. Here's to peace, love, and good health,” posted Silva following the move. 

Reports are that five or more have been laid off in Providence, and it is unknown if the carnage is over.

Radio News Says 'Over 1,000'

"First it was 60. Then, it became 600. On Wednesday morning, one veteran media observer reported that 'over 1,000 employees' are losing their jobs at iHeartMedia. The job losses at the nation’s No. 1 owner of radio stations have become the No. 1 talking point by those inside and outside the industry. But, the official number of individuals impacted by “dislocation' remains shielded from public view, reports Radio News.

Variety is reporting, “iHeartMedia today announced a ‘new organizational structure’ and ‘technology transformation’ as it modernizes the company, and as often happens during such moves, layoffs are taking place. According to Country Aircheck and All Access, there have been multiple layoffs in the country and other sectors of the largest radio network in the U.S., including top roles at WPOC/Baltimore, KAJA and KRPT/San Antonio, KASE and KVET Austin, WSIX/Nashville and others.

The company owns more 840 stations across the country. 

In Providence, Bill George the program director for the iHeart cluster in Providence did not respond to request for comment.

In the market, iHeart owns news station WHJJ, hard rock WHJY, Coast93.3, and B101.

This story was reported 1/15/20 4:56 PM.