The Cost Of Cutting Radio Can Never Be Measured On A Spreadsheet
Walk into any radio station after a day like this and you’ll notice something most listeners will never hear.
The music is still playing.
The automation is still running.
The commercials are still airing.
The tower is still transmitting.
But something is missing.
Not from the format clock.
From the heart of the building.
This week’s workforce reductions at Cumulus Media reached far beyond job titles and payroll reports. They touched communities, disrupted careers, and reminded everyone in broadcasting that while companies restructure, it is people—not positions—who feel the impact.
At On The Dial, we refuse to reduce this story to a list of names.
Every broadcaster on this page has spent years—many of them decades—building audiences they may never fully know, mentoring future talent, volunteering at community events, comforting listeners after storms, celebrating hometown victories, raising money for charities, and making radio feel personal.
Those contributions don’t disappear because an email arrives or a meeting appears on the calendar.
They become part of radio history.
Among those now beginning unexpected new chapters are legendary San Francisco sports broadcaster Greg Papa and fellow KNBR personality Greg Silver. Detroit loses one of its familiar afternoon voices with Dave Fuller, whose career has spanned multiple iconic stations throughout the Motor City. In Little Rock, respected programmer McConnell Adams departs after leading multiple brands, while Columbia says goodbye to veteran content leader Leo “LB” Baldwin.
The list continues.
Cami Marlowe leaves Mobile after wearing nearly every hat imaginable—from programming and promotions to engineering, sales, and on-air responsibilities. Anthony “Big Ant” Simmons exits Shreveport following years of leadership across multiple formats. Jordan Lass departs Grand Rapids after building an impressive career that has already taken him through Michigan, Iowa, and beyond. Jaimee Lee concludes yet another memorable chapter in Modesto after spending much of her broadcasting life helping shape one of California’s best-known Country stations.
In Albuquerque, Stephanie Duran signs off after spending more than three decades doing what she loves most. She entered radio as a teenager and never looked back, becoming one of New Mexico’s most familiar voices while inspiring generations of listeners. Her optimism about exploring voice acting and narration reminds all of us that great communicators rarely stop communicating—they simply find new microphones.
Bloomington loses two respected broadcasters.
After nearly 29 years, Susan Saunders prepares to conclude an extraordinary run on WBNQ, closing one of the longest continuous morning careers in Illinois radio. Her honesty about protecting her peace while finishing her final weeks with professionalism speaks volumes about the person behind the microphone.
Also departing Bloomington is Blake Haas, another talented broadcaster whose work in news and talk has helped inform central Illinois audiences.
In Florida, Stroke Mastro leaves Fort Walton Beach after another chapter in a career that has stretched from Panama City to Sacramento and back again. Rather than dwelling on disappointment, he’s already looking toward new opportunities armed with advanced degrees and the determination broadcasters have always been known for.
Peoria says goodbye to Wes Jordan, whose production work and afternoon shift helped keep one of central Illinois’ heritage stations sounding fresh every day.
Taken individually…
They’re career moves.
Taken together…
They’re the departure of centuries of combined experience.
Think about that.
The people affected this week have programmed stations through format wars.
They’ve coached new talent into successful careers.
They’ve survived ownership changes, technological revolutions, recessions, pandemics, and every prediction that radio was somehow “finished.”
Yet they kept showing up.
Every morning.
Every afternoon.
Every holiday.
Every ratings period.
Not because broadcasting made them wealthy.
Because broadcasting became part of who they were.
Here’s the alternative perspective.
This may be one of the greatest collections of available radio talent the industry has seen in years.
Market managers searching for experienced leadership…
Owners looking for proven programmers…
Stations needing exceptional personalities…
Digital companies seeking authentic communicators…
The talent pool just became significantly stronger.
The industry didn’t lose great broadcasters.
It gained an extraordinary hiring opportunity.
At On The Dial, we’re committed to helping.
If your position was eliminated during this week’s Cumulus restructuring—or if you’ve recently found yourself unexpectedly looking for your next opportunity—we want to hear from you.
Send your résumé, aircheck, market information, and contact details to:
We’ll continue reporting developments, highlighting available talent, and connecting broadcasters with companies looking for experienced professionals.
Because here’s something this industry should never forget.
Call letters change.
Formats change.
Owners change.
Buildings change.
But broadcasters…
Broadcasters never stop telling stories.
Sometimes the next great story simply begins with an unexpected ending.
The entire On The Dial family proudly salutes every broadcaster, producer, engineer, salesperson, programmer, promotions director, traffic professional, board operator, and support staff member affected by this week’s changes. Your careers have mattered. Your work has made a difference. And your next opportunity may be closer than you think.
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