Portland based Alpha Media downsizes

Portland based Alpha Media is the latest to be hit with that other contagious virus – broadcasting corporate cutbacks. Inside Radio today reports on the changes coming to Alpha’s stations & Portland’s country “98.7 The Bull” KUPL & news/talk 101.1 KXL both get hit hard.  The company has enacted temporary furloughs, eliminated some positions and reduced hours for certain employees.  In a press release issued Tuesday night, CEO Bob Proffitt stated: “In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic and its ongoing fallout on advertising revenue, Alpha Media has taken painful steps similar to those of other media companies & continues to work through many difficult decisions to cope with the current challenges we all face brought about by COVID-19. We are positioning the company to weather this challenge while trying to keep our valued team members safe and be poised to recover quickly once the crisis has passed.”  The statement added that before taking these actions, members of Alpha’s executive leadership team proactively reduced their own compensation.  Among those affected by the cuts is MoJoe Roberts, Alpha Media Country Format Captain and PD/afternoon host at “98.7 The Bull”. Roberts joined the station in 2016 and was upped to Format Captain in 2018. The station has also dissolved its morning show as Tony Russell and 16 year veteran Jake Byron exit and Jenn Hays moves to middays, while Danny Dwyer is bumped to afternoons, replacing Roberts. At news/talk sister KXL-FM anchor Lucinda Kay exits. Alpha Media owns or operates 199 radio stations in 44 markets in the US.