Update: Local iHeart layoffs

 

We'd heard about another round of layoffs happening across the iHeart stations nationally, there are at least two changes we're now aware of. One is the end of the Mo' Kelly evening program on KFI. His producer, Tawala Sharp, confirmed this on social media:

"All Good Things Come To An End"

And, with extreme pride in everything we did, comes the announcement that our program, "Later, with Mo'Kelly", has come to an end on KFI AM640.

I truly appreciate every hour, minute & second spent creating greatness with @mrmokelly,

Trust and believe, this was simply a business decision for iHeartMedia Inc. & iHeartRadio.

Nothing personal.

But I believe that this moment in time came to an end because the Most High said so, and because I trust in the Creator's guiding hand I will continue to walk in the light and ease on down the yellow brick road the Most High has laid and will continue to lay before me.

Borm Morris W. O'Kelly, the radio and TV commentator moved from weekends to an evening spot on talker KFI, his program entitled "Later with Mo'Kelly." A graduate of Georgetown University, O'Kelly previously served as producer and support for Jim Rome, Ryan Seacrest, and Tavis Smiley. 

Kelly also serves as a commentator for BBC Radio, TalkTV, CNN / CNN International, HLN, FOX 11 (KTTV) and NBC4 (KNBC-TV) Los Angeles, Spectrum News SoCal, and Good Morning America (ABC) among others. He written editorial materials have appeared in various newspapers and online, including the Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and the Huffington Post.

He hosts "Mo'Kelly's 2-Minute Warning," syndicated nationally by iHeartMedia's Black Information Network. There's been no update about whether this commentary will continue.

Overnight personality Chuck Dizzle departs Real 92.3 (KRRL), which includes his program syndicated nationally on iHeart Radio. Dizzle is a graduate of Cal State Long Beach. Interviewed by voyagela.com, Dizzle explained how he got his start:

I got my start in radio interning for 100.3 The Beat here in Los Angeles. That opportunity allowed me to see how each department in radio worked and over the years moved my way up on multiple occasions, from a street team member to an on air personality. One thing I was able to identify was how much of a void there was for local talent at the time.

Dizzle is also known as the creator of the internet platform "Home Grown Radio," which features local hip hop talent. "Our platform has been dedicated to discovering and bridging the gap between what’s deemed underground and mainstream in hip hop." His programming originates from his home in Inglewood, CA.

Clay Roe leaves KFI after 26 years at the station, the last six as the imaging director for the staiton and for the iHeartMedia news / talk group nationally. He got his start in the High Desert wearing different hats including morning drive at KAVS and KYHT before becoming iHeart operations manager for the region. He did weekends at alternative X103.9 (KCXX) in the Inland Empire for four years before arriving at KFI in 2019. He tells RadioInsight.com, "hoping for remote or hybrid work. Willing to move for the right fit. Fingers crossed for something in the Pacific Northwest."

Hudson Hott gave up her midday slot at ALT 98.7 (KYSR) to move to the North Carolina, finding it was unaffordable for her family to live in Southern California. She nonetheless continued to do weekends and fill-ins, as well as being the evening personality at San Francisco's Star 101.3 (KIOI). She arrived in Los Angeles via Star 101.9 (KUCD) Honolulu for 20 years, primarily as the station's morning host. She views this as the opportunity for "new beginnings" after 30 years with iHeart Media.

We'll share any additional updates.

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