It's been a tough week for the Tampa arm of national media conglomerate Clear Channel Communications, Inc.
Following last week's news that legendary radio host Todd Schnitt (aka "MJ") was being dropped from his popular afternoon radio spot on Tampa's, Clear Channel-owned WFLA, as well as today's report that the national corporation as a whole is facing $10 billion in debt obligations, it's probably safe to say that Clear Channel has seen better days.
Clear Channel's WFLA 970 is now faced with an empty afternoon host slot, often the most popular due to work/home drive time commutes, after Schnitt's departure.
According to All Access Music Group, the station is seeking someone who is "entertaining, compelling, provocative and one that talks with locals about things that matter most to them."
They go on to explain that the station is looking for a "team player" well versed in the myriad aspects of social media and blogging with three to five years experience "creating entertaining, compelling content" who understands the 40 to 45-year-old male demographic.
While WFLA can easily bounce back with their afternoon slot, there may be more trouble looming above Clear Channel Tampa's head as the Tampa Bay Business Journal reports that Clear Channel Communications as a whole faces about $10 billion in debt obligations due in 2016.
Based on the latest report by Moody’s Investor Services, the $10 billion debt may force the national media giant into considering a merger or selling off of some of its assets according to the Journal.
What could this mean for Clear Channel's significant presence in Tampa? Could this leading Tampa employer be faced with the prospect layoffs and downsizing? Let us know in the comments below.
[Update] All Access Music Group now reports that Clear Channel has laid off a handful of notable figures across a number of radio markets including Tampa program director Steve Versnick who worked at both WFLA 970 and WDAE 620.
