WTIC-AM 1080 radio cuts news staff as part of Audacy’s bankruptcy plan

Layoffs hit Hartford-based radio station WTIC-AM 1080 last week, with parent company Audacy trimming 2 percent of its staff nationwide, according to a spokesman.

Greg Little, a news anchor and reporter, and reporter Kevin Gorden were among the layoffs, according to media news site The Laurel. Gorden listed his status as “recently laid off” on LinkedIn.

Another WTIC broadcaster, Pastor Will Marotti, announced last week that he would be ending his afternoon show due to his busy schedule.

The 50,000 watt “flamethrower” radio station, which built itself as being the place to go for news, sports, traffic and weather on the AM dial, had a tradition of airing UConn basketball and Red Sox games. In 2018, UConn athletics ended its 26-year run with WTIC, and went instead with ESPN. The station had also been home for syndicated conservative leaning personality Rush Limbaugh before his 2021 death. And in 2008, most listeners were shocked by the news that the radio station cut loose two of its talk show icons: Diane Smith, who hosted a morning show with the now retired Ray Dunaway, and late afternoon host Colin McEnroe.

In addition to WTIC, Audacy owns Hartford-area stations including Hot 93.7, Lite 100.5 WRCH, 96.5 TIC, 104.9 WIHS and Yard Goats Radio Network, according to its website.

Battered by declining ratings and ad revenue, Philadelphia-based Audacy filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in January, seeking to restructure and remain in business. A Texas court approved the company’s reorganization plan in February, under which Audacy cut its debt load 80 percent, from approximately $1.9 billion to approximately $350 million.

“Audacy is performing well against our 2024 business plan, and we are on track to emerge as a stronger and healthier company,” a spokesperson said on Monday. “As we continue to make large investments and drive enhancements across our business, we are simultaneously implementing some difficult but necessary decisions.”

The network plans additional investment in its stations in 47 markets and its current workforce stands at 3,400 people nationwide, the spokesman said.