MarketInk: Radio Stars ‘Annie & Elsten’ Laid Off

Audacy Enacts Nationwide Layoffs, Terminates Popular San Diego Radio Show

A Sudden Goodbye on Zoom

It only took 10 minutes on a Zoom call for San Diego personalities Craig Elsten and Annie Heilbrunn to learn that their radio show on KWFN-FM 97.3 The Fan was canceled. This termination was part of a sweeping series of layoffs by Philadelphia-based Audacy, which affected several radio hosts across the United States.

Elsten shared his feelings on social media, explaining, “I was informed our show was being immediately dissolved as part of a nationwide set of layoffs for the Audacy Corporation. This decision was made by corporate outside of SD, and had no bearing on our show’s ratings, success, or quality, all of which were high.”

A Closer Look at the Layoffs

Audacy, a major player in the radio broadcasting sector, has recently laid off around 300 employees, ranging from content creators to administrative staff. This move comes shortly after the company re-emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy as a privately held entity.

“Our goal is to ensure a strong and resilient future for Audacy. We are streamlining resources to stay competitive,” said Audacy in a recent statement.

Impact on Local Radio Personalities

Annie Heilbrunn, who began her stint with The Fan in January 2024, was notably impacted. A San Diego native, Heilbrunn has had a vibrant career as a sports journalist and broadcaster before this sudden shift.

Craig Elsten, who has been a prominent voice in San Diego sports radio for decades, also expressed his disappointment but remained hopeful about continuing his podcast, Padres Hot Tub, and other future endeavors.

Community and Industry Response

The community and other industry professionals have shown strong reactions to these layoffs. Many have taken to social media to express their support for the laid-off hosts and concern about the changing landscape of local media.

What Comes Next?

As the media landscape continues to evolve, the recent layoffs signal a significant shift in how content is delivered and consumed. The future will likely see more consolidation and strategic shifts as companies like Audacy adapt to new economic realities and changing listener preferences.

Craig Elsten and Annie Heilbrunn’s sudden job loss reflects broader challenges within the radio broadcasting industry. As the community feels the impact of these changes, there remains a hopeful outlook for the talented hosts as they navigate their next steps in this dynamic field.