Clear Channel Reduction In Force Begins

Story by All Access

ALL ACCESS confirms that the rumored CLEAR CHANNEL "reduction in force" is underway. It seems as if this is taking place primarily in the smaller markets, so far -- with a few exceptions.

One outgoing programmer told ALL ACCESS, "They simply told me that programming would be delivered in a different manner, eliminating the need for my position."

A CLEAR CHANNEL spokesperson told ALL ACCESS the reason for the RIF, "We're launching a new strategy for our regional market radio stations that will improve local programming in smaller markets by using assets and resources in those markets that their competitors don't have. It reflects new approaches to programming, talent, technology and other valuable resources -- based on CLEAR CHANNEL's most effective and efficient stations.

"The new strategy leverages CLEAR CHANNEL RADIO's unmatched resources to serve our local listeners, advertisers and communities better -- there will be more localization, not less. At the same time, it offers new opportunities for our best on-air and programming talent to be heard in more places and grow their careers. This new strategy is about doing things differently to help our company grow faster.

"We looked at all our regional market stations with a fresh eye to determine how we could respond to the challenges of the marketplace and deliver a much better product to listeners than we have in the past -- and better than our competitors can provide. With this new strategy, we'll also generate higher ratings for our advertisers and marketing partners and give our best people bigger roles."

CLEAR CHANNEL declined to comment on specific names or totals of persons leaving the company. But ALL ACCESS is hearing an estimate that it's "many hundreds of folks" who are part of the RIF.