Posted by According to All Access on February 07, 2008 at 12:08:55:
In Reply to: Shakeup at CBS Radio posted by chicagomedia.org on February 07, 2008 at 07:33:52:
ALL ACCESS has confirmed that budget cutting is underway at CBS RADIO.
In CHICAGO, THE SUN-TIMES reports that AAA WXRT GM MICHAEL DAMSKY is out after 24 years.
In PITTSBURGH, VP/GM JIM MELTZER's position has reportedly been eliminated, along with that of a Local Sales Manager.
In CHARLOTTE, three GSM positions have said to have been cut.
There is also reportedly a staff meeting underway in CLEVELAND at this time.
CBS RADIO is not releasing the names of any released employees at this time, but provided ALL ACCESS with this statement:
"With these actions, we continue to build on our strategy of deploying our assets to best grow our ratings and monetize the results. In the past months, CBS RADIO has streamlined its corporate management staff, and installed Market Managers and Directors of Sales in all of our markets. This change in operating structure has improved the way we do business by simplifying buying and selling transactions, speeding up the decision-making process and importantly -- allowing us to more effectively monetize the aggregate number of listeners who hear us on the radio and the Internet.
CBS RADIO also made significant programming improvements and considerably strengthened our digital assets in order to distribute our content on all available emerging platforms. As a result of our new focus, we’ve experienced substantial over-the-air ratings gains and sizable online-traffic growth. We believe the combination of a new senior management team, continued emphasis on strategic programming decisions, investments in interactive new media and continued attention to costs will best position CBS Radio for success in 2008 and beyond."
: We've already seen massive cuts at Clear Channel, now it's time for CBS to join in.
: CBS Radio insiders are bracing for a wave of cutbacks and job consolidations in Chicago that should be announced today.
: Topping the list of those whose positions are expected to be eliminated is Michael Damsky, who has been vice president and general manager of adult rock WXRT-FM (93.1) since 2004. He's a 24-year veteran of 'XRT.