The Writers Guild of America East on Monday took aim at Audacy over the shuttering of WCBS Newsradio 880, saying the union lost 23 members and that it’s “devastated” over the decision to close of the venerable news operation.
“The Writers Guild of America East is devastated that Audacy, the second largest radio company in America, today announced that they are shutting down WCBS Newsradio 880, a trusted news source for New Yorkers since 1924,” the union said in a statement. “There were 23 WGA East members laid off by Audacy, and we expect the Company to comply with the applicable provisions in our collective bargaining agreement, including guaranteed severance.”
With its longstanding local marketing agreement (LMA) coming to an end Aug. 31, Good Karma Brands will move the programming of “ESPN New York 98.7” from WEPN-FM to WCBS (880). Good Karma Brands has signed a new LMA with Audacy and will take over the heritage WCBS signal effective Aug. 26.
Audacy will remain the license holder of the 880 signal, which will sport the new call letters of WHSQ, pending FCC approval. The company now plans to focus its radio news content on WINS-AM/FM (1010/92.3).
The WGAE also took issue with the timing of the deal.
“The closure of WCBS Newsradio 880 is another example of consolidation by a major media conglomerate, which ultimately deprives the public of critical local news stories with different perspectives,” the union’s statement said. “Audacy’s decision is even more egregious given that this is a critical election year. This is a giant loss for New York City and the news industry at large.”
Audacy declined comment.
Earlier Monday, Audacy New York Market President Chris Oliviero noted the challenges facing local news operations.
“New York has always been proudly unique in supporting two all-news radio brands, but the news business has gone through significant changes,” he said in a statement. The headwinds facing local journalism nationwide made it essential to strategically reimagine how we deliver the news for the most impact. WCBS 880 has been one of the most respected radio stations in history, with a legacy cemented by the hundreds of world-class journalists, on and off the air, who willed it into existence over the decades. If it happened in New York or the world, you heard about it on WCBS 880. Today, ‘1010 WINS@92.3FM,’ equally iconic, moves forward as New York’s only 24/7 all-news station with the best distribution platform, the largest audience and the most recognized brand in the industry. All-news is a pillar of Audacy, and this decision, though difficult, fortifies that leadership position for generations to come.”
To honor the station’s legacy, WCBS will broadcast a live commemorative special, “WCBS 880 News: The People, the Moments, and the Events that Shaped our Lives,” on Aug. 22 from 10am-1pm.
