Cumulus Media Layoffs Hit Albuquerque Radio Stations Following Acquisition

New private equity owners of Cumulus Media began cutting staff across its Albuquerque radio group this week, following a pattern of reductions seen after the company’s acquisition out of bankruptcy, New Mexico Political Report reported.

The layoffs hit on-air, production, and back-office teams at several stations, including the prominent conservative talk station 96.3 FM / 770 AM KKOB. Among those departing is Jeff Berry, who served as the market manager and a Cumulus Vice President.

The restructuring follows the October acquisition of a controlling share of the radio group by Alden Capital Group. The private equity firm took the company private in a deal to acquire its assets from bankruptcy proceedings.

Financial pressure has been a persistent factor for the media group. While bankruptcy filings did not include specific financial data for individual markets, the company’s quarterly operating results for the six months ended June 30, 2026, revealed income declined.

Financial Metric (Year-over-Year)	Percentage Change
Advertising spot revenue	-13.3%
Total net revenue	-11.0%

The company entered the bankruptcy process carrying more than $600 million in debt, according to court filings.

Cumulus Media Layoffs Hit Albuquerque Radio Stations Following Acquisition

This is not the first time Alden Capital Group has moved into the media sector. The firm is currently one of the largest holders of newspapers in the United States, where it has applied a similar strategy to local news outlets.

In 2021, Alden acquired the Chicago Tribune for a reported $600 million and took the publication private. Within weeks of that acquisition, the firm cut 20% of the staff. While the paper’s original staff consisted of approximately 700 employees, reports indicate that number has since dwindled to about 100.

The impact on Albuquerque’s airwaves is widespread, as Cumulus maintains ownership of over 330 stations nationwide. The local stations affected by these recent cuts include:

KDRF FM (103.3 FM, “Ed FM”)
KKOB (770 AM/96.3 FM)
KMGA (99.5 FM, “Magic 99.5”)
KNML (610 AM, “The Sports Animal”)
KOBQ (93.3 FM, “The Q”)
KRST (92.3 FM)
KTBL (1050 AM / 94.5 FM, “The Pit”)

The staff reductions have already forced changes in programming schedules. Earlier this week, Leah Black, co-host of the Carlos D and Leah Black morning drive show on 99.3 “The Q,” announced she would take on an additional role as the new midday host on KMGA (Magic 99.5).

Black is filling a position that became vacant in August after long-time midday host Stephanie Duran left the station during a previous round of staff reductions.

The company is not naming the other employees impacted by this week’s layoffs, a decision intended to allow those affected to notify their families and colleagues privately.

The Chicago Tribune’s workforce has seen a reduction from 700 to approximately 100 staff members since the 2021 acquisition, New Mexico Political Report reported.