BREAKING: Big Cuts at WPRO - Cumulus Axe Starts to Fall

Saturday, November 05, 2011

Jeff Derderian, GoLocalProv Media Critic

GoLocalProv.com has learned that Cumulus Media, which recently took over the operations of WPRO-AM, 92Pro-FM, Lite Rock 105, and AM-790, has let the axe fall at the station’s East Providence studios.

People who were let go were told this afternoon.

Recently hired digital Reporter Bob Plain, and long time producer and also fill in host at night for Matt Allen, Tony Cornetta, have been given pink slips by the new owners. Inside sources are telling us there could be up to 12 to 14 people from the different radio stations that are being let go or have in fact been let go today. In those numbers are 5 marketing people according to one insider. Plain was featured in his own radio and online segment - Plain Speak.That blog has been removed from 630wpro.com.

This news doesn’t come as any surprise. Cumulus has been slashing jobs across many of the properties it took over. You may remember we reported here recently that WABC & WPLJ in New York City recently let a slew of people go including an on-air personality that at one time worked in Providence and spent 22-years in New York.

Cumulus has a pattern of pushing syndicated programs at many of its stations. Often many parts of the day do not feature live local talent. This is done to save money because the same program can run on multiple stations at one time. Prior to the announcement today, there have been many closed door meetings according to people inside at the East Providence studios.

Calls to Cumulus Media have not yet been returned.
 

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