Hubbard’s turn to reduce staff (UPDATED)

Hubbard Radio is the latest broadcasting corporation forced to make staffing reductions resulting from the pandemic-induced economic downturn.  The company has made major cuts all throughout the states & a number of staff here in Seattle have been laid off.  Unconfirmed reports state “Movin’ 92.5 ” KQMV PD, promotion director, midday host and afternoon host are now out. “Warm 106.9” KRWM PD, afternoon host and evening host, “98.9 The Bull” KNUC’ promotion director and about a dozen others have been let go.  There may also be cuts at 880 KIXI & 1150 KKNW  as well.  At post time, we don’t have specific names other than Justin Barnes, a 10 year veteran at “Movin’ 92.5” who began hosting nights & moved to mid-days in 2014.  In addition, he’s been  Social Media Strategist and Social Media Director, and handled a huge portion of the video workload for the station and co-wrote all copy for on-air promotions.  Hubbard’s company-wide cuts were announced late yesterday & it seems none of their markets have been spared lay-offs, particularly at their music stations

Monday, May 4 UPDATE: We’ve learned more about Hubbard’s major cutbacks & those affected in our market.  No longer working for Hubbard: 13-year afternoon drive host Mason Mousette & 20-year production talent John Nixon & PD Ricky Villa at “Movin’ 92.5” KQMV; 21 year host & programmer Dan Murphy at 880 KIXI; Marketing Director Tori Dunn at “98.9 The Bull” KNUC ; & “Warm 106.9” KRWM Brand & Content Director Ron Harrell.  In a related move, as noted in another post, Cat Thomas assumes the positions held by Ricky Villa & Ron Harrell.  He transfers here from Hubbard Chicago station “She 100.3” WSHE.  Cat has previous programming experience in Huntsville, Cleveland, Jacksonville & Austin.

Mike Cherry

retired broadcaster: on-air, MD, PD, asst PD, Prod Mgr, IT, station technician/engineer, pioneer Internet webcaster, station installation/maintenance; 12 years in commercial radio, 17 years volunteer in campus/community radio in B.C., Alberta & Wash. Amateur radio operator & “DXer” specializing in AM night-time DX, short-wave DX/listening & remote SDR DXing/listening