Clear Channel confirms layoffs

Clear Channel Communications Inc. this afternoon confirmed that it has eliminated 1,850 positions, representing about 9 percent of its staff.

A "significant portion" of the positions are in the company's sales departments, according to a memo sent from CEO Mark Mays to employees. (Read the entire memo at the link below.)

Published reports have indicated that Clear Channel also is replacing more local shows with syndicated content.

Clear Channel spokeswoman Deanna Blount said the company would not disclose specific locations of the layoffs. The company operates more than 800 radio stations in approximately 300 U.S. markets, according to its Web site.

The San Antonio-based radio and outdoor advertising company owns five local stations, according to the site: 105.9 KGBX-FM, KGMY-AM ESPN 1400, 100.5 KSWF-FM, 95.5 KTOZ-FM and 97.3 KXUS-FM. Paul Kelley, operations manager for Clear Channel's Springfield stations, could not be immediately reached for comment.[[In-content Ad]]