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MediaCo Holding Cuts Staff at WQHT and WBLS Stations

The media company is laying off support staff and reducing specialty radio programming at its New York stations.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Hip-Hop and Rap

Isometric editorial illustration of a broadcast console with suspended microphones and vacant chairs, representing corporate radio downsizing.
MediaCo Holding has reduced staff and cut specialty radio programming at New York stations WQHT and WBLS amid ongoing financial instability. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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MediaCo Holding has laid off or furloughed various support staff members at radio stations WQHT and WBLS. The company has also eliminated several Sunday night specialty programs, including Caribbean content and DJ Drewski’s show.

Why it matters

These staff reductions arrive as freelancers report that MediaCo has failed to provide payment for services rendered over the last several months. The move reflects a wider pattern of downsizing at the company, which has seen instability in leadership positions and personnel cuts in other major markets.

MediaCo recently implemented staff reductions at stations in Dallas, Houston, and Los Angeles. These cuts follow a turbulent year that saw multiple changes in Chief Engineer positions across the company.

The players

MediaCo Holding

MediaCo Holding is a media conglomerate that owns several radio properties across major U.S. markets.

Bryson Paul

Bryson Paul is a digital contributor who confirmed his exit from the company following the recent staff reductions.

Funkmaster Flex

Funkmaster Flex is a prominent on-air personality who continues to serve on the radio roster at WQHT.

The details

The cuts specifically impact producers, mixers, part-time hosts, and digital contributors like Bryson Paul, who confirmed his departure. While the roster is shrinking, on-air talent including Funkmaster Flex, Nessa, and Mornings with Mero remain with WQHT.

Timeline

  1. Over the past year, the company experienced multiple leadership changes in Chief Engineer positions.

  2. Staff cutbacks occurred earlier this year at properties in Dallas, Houston, and Los Angeles.

  3. Industry sources reported significant staff cuts at the New York stations last week.

Market Landscape

The downsizing at WQHT and WBLS reflects a broader trend of cost-cutting and consolidation among national radio holding companies. This strategy seeks to streamline operations by centralizing resources and reducing regional headcounts to improve corporate bottom lines.

Listeners can expect significant changes to weekend programming on WQHT, including the cancellation of popular specialty shows. For those involved in production or freelance work with these stations, the reports of outstanding payments may indicate continued administrative instability.

The takeaway

MediaCo’s recent restructuring highlights a difficult environment for broadcast support staff and independent radio contributors. Listeners should anticipate a more consolidated broadcast schedule as the company continues its ongoing cost-reduction efforts.

Further reading

For more on the changing landscape of urban music radio, visit the Hip-Hop and Rap section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by RadioInsight.

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