KXNO's Morning and Afternoon Shows: A Tale of Restructuring and Layoffs
The radio waves of Des Moines, Iowa, have witnessed a dramatic shift in recent years, with iHeartMedia's KXNO experiencing a series of changes that have left many in the industry perplexed. From the initial layoffs to the rehiring and expansion, the station's journey has been a rollercoaster. Now, as part of a broader restructuring at iHeartMedia, KXNO is once again undergoing significant changes, leaving a trail of layoffs in its wake.
The morning show, "The 1st Quarter," hosted by Heather Burnside and Alec Busse, along with producer Tyler Allen, has come to an end. The afternoon drive show, "Off The Bench with Sean Roberts and Lucas Strain," has also been axed. Sean Roberts, who also served as Program Director of KXNO, took to social media to announce his departure, expressing his gratitude for the support he received from listeners and colleagues. The co-host of the 10am-12pm show, Ken Miller, is retiring at the end of the week, and his co-host, Trent Condon, will be joined by Nick Marovets, host of the "Locked on Cyclones Podcast."
This latest round of layoffs has left many in the industry questioning the future of KXNO. The station's struggles are not unique; iHeartMedia's Sports Radio 95.7 (KOSY-FM Anamosa/Cedar Rapids), 620 KMNS (Sioux City), 800 KXIC (Iowa City), and 1230 WFXN (Moline IL/Quad Cities) have also cut ties with their morning and afternoon shows. The industry is abuzz with speculation about the reasons behind these changes, and the potential impact on the local sports radio landscape.
One thing is clear: the radio industry is undergoing a period of rapid transformation. iHeartMedia's restructuring is a testament to the challenges faced by traditional media in the digital age. As the company navigates this turbulent period, it remains to be seen how KXNO will adapt and evolve to meet the changing demands of its listeners. The future of sports radio in Des Moines hangs in the balance, leaving fans and industry observers alike eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this unfolding story.
