Both Audacy and NESN employees received bad news on Thursday, as layoffs hit the media companies.
Magic 106.7’s David O’Leary — after 20 years there — is among the Audacy cuts, the Boston radio staple reported.
“A little news: After 20 marvelous years at MAGIC 106.7, my time there has come to an end. (Broadcasting is an exciting and often unpredictable industry, and the company is making some cutbacks),” he posted on social media.
“I’m absolutely fine, and excited about what’s ahead for me,” O’Leary added. “To all my Magic colleagues, ESPECIALLY Sue Tabb and Kendra the Entertainer, I’ll miss you, but am incredibly proud of our time together and the great work we did on the air. I’m excited for what’s ahead!”
Layoffs were being reported across Audacy radio stations around the country. Audacy, the owner of WEEI and other Boston radio stations, emerged from bankruptcy last year.
“Audacy has made workforce reductions to ensure a strong and resilient future for the business,” an Audacy spokesperson said in a statement.
“We are streamlining resources to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving media landscape and to best position Audacy to continue serving listeners and advertisers with excellence,” the spokesperson added.
Meanwhile, NESN is reportedly slashing its editorial department, according to workers at New England Sports Network.
“Got some not so good news this morning,” Gayle Troiani posted. “We were informed as of May 2 the editorial department at NESN is being eliminated.
“Not sure what the future will bring but if you have any positive thoughts, send them my way or job openings,” the Boston sports writer added.
NESN’s Tim Crowley and Gio Rivera also reported that they were being laid off.
“I was informed this morning that my time at NESN will come to an end at the end of April,” Crowley posted. “Very appreciative for the time with these people on NESN.com and looking forward to the next chapter. Open to new opportunities around baseball and the industry!”
“Life update: Was informed this morning that as of May 2, NESN is no longer carrying on with the editorial department,” Rivera wrote. “Thankful for the talented writers I got to work alongside throughout my nearly 3-year-long run. It’s been real.”
A NESN spokesperson said the company has decided to “refine our operations.”
“NESN is committed to delivering high-quality content and unparalleled entertainment experiences to New England sports fans,” the spokesperson said in a statement. “As the media landscape continues to evolve, we have made the decision to refine our operations, focusing on our core content strengths and streamlining our digital capabilities. Unfortunately, this has resulted in the difficult decision to eliminate some positions.
The spokesperson added. “We believe these changes will continue to elevate our offering, meet the needs of all of our audiences and continue to build and grow a sustainable, innovative media business.”