Cumulus Media says it is focused on efforts to “allocate resources effectively,” and that means more stations — both FM and AM — across the country have been taken off the air. In each case, Cumulus says it is working to determine whether it wants to change formats or sell the signals outright.
The latest to go dark includes two signals in the Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX, market, with the sports simulcast KIKR/KBED (1450/1510) going dark. In Birmingham, AL, Cumulus has taken WAPI (1070) off the air. It had been simulcasting “Talk 99.5” WZRR. Sports “1230 The Team” WSSO Starkville, MS, is also silent. So, too, is WYMB Manning, SC (920). Cumulus has also taken “Fox Sports Radio 1050” WAYS dark in Myrtle Beach, SC. Also silent is “Sports Radio 1560 The Fan” WLZR Melbourne-Titusville-Cocoa, FL.
The list has also grown to include classic hits KJMO Jefferson City, MO (97.5); country “Nash Icon 93.7” WJBC Bloomington, IL; country “Nash Icon 97.5” WLAW-FM Muskegon, MI; country “94.9 The Outlaw” KOLI Electra, TX; soft AC KRMD Shreveport, LA (1340); “News Radio 1440” WLWI Montgomery, AL; “Sports Radio 1560 The Fan” WLZR Melbourne-Titusville-Cocoa, FL; and sports “Erie Sports Radio 1260 AM” WRIE Erie, PA.
More stations are expected to go dark in the coming days. Cumulus told Inside Radio last week that it has “determined that certain stations are no longer the right strategic fit within their respective markets.” The company said it will suspend operations at these stations while it evaluates the best path forward. Cumulus says the move will allow it to “focus on strengthening and maximizing the impact of our other brands.”
The move is leading some air talent to shift their attention to podcasting. WLZR personality Mark Moses told fans of the station that after a dozen years there, he will launch a new sports podcast as he remains partnered with Cumulus. “The show will now be more video/audio and reach a bigger audience,” he said. Moses remains as PD and midday host on classic rock “95.9 The Rocket” WROK-FM.