Radio Waves Rumble in San Antonio: Major Shakeups Hit Local Airwaves
San Antonio, the heart of Texas, is buzzing with chatter following some significant changes to the local radio scene. Just a few days ago, listeners were blindsided as Hits 105.3 announced the departures of popular on-air personalities Tony Cortez and Jenny Lee. The airwaves were still swirling from that news when yet another bombshell dropped: the beloved Joe Pags, host of 1200 WOAI, has been let go too!
Joe Pags Bids Farewell After 19 Years
Joe Pags, whose voice has been a staple in San Antonio for a whopping 19 years, shared his shocking news during an interview on WOAI-TV. He recounts receiving the call from the marketing manager, which he described as “very formal” and indicative of a broader “restructuring” taking place at iHeartMedia, the parent company of WOAI.
“I can be rehired and this is not for cause,” he explained, but it all boiled down to layoffs affecting multiple stations within the iHeartMedia family. It’s a tough pill to swallow for someone whose show, The Joe Pags Show, has carved out a loyal following over nearly two decades.
Listeners Left in Shock
Listeners everywhere are scratching their heads and wondering, “Why?” Pags noted that the outpouring of support has been incredible, saying, “That feels really good. A lot of people really do like the show.” His listeners not only tune in locally but also stream his show online, making connections that extend beyond San Antonio.
Even though Pags is no longer part of the iHeartMedia family, he plans to keep his show alive. “The show remains in syndication through Compass Media Networks,” he confirmed, and fans can still catch him live from 5 to 8 p.m. CT on various platforms!
Shakeups Across the Board
The recent job losses are just a piece of a larger puzzle that’s unfolding for iHeartMedia. The company’s chief executive, Bob Pittman, is leading what he calls the company’s “modernization journey.” These changes come as part of a nationwide movement at radio stations to adapt and thrive in an evolving media landscape.
In addition to the departures, San Antonio’s Mix 96.1 has undergone a major shift as well, rebranding itself to Mix 96.1 – ¡Tus Favoritas De Siempre!. The new programming promises a mix of those timeless hits from the ’80s and ’90s, featuring music in both English and Spanish—a nod to the city’s rich cultural tapestry.
What Does This Mean for San Antonio?
While the shakeups in San Antonio radio may seem unsettling at first, they open up discussions about the future of audio entertainment. With changes like these, it presents an opportunity for fresh voices and new formats to emerge. Listeners are sure to feel the rhythm of the radio landscape shifting under their feet, but with it comes the promise of innovation and creativity.
For now, fans of Joe Pags, Tony Cortez, and Jenny Lee may be left feeling nostalgic as they tune in to different stations or search for their favorite shows elsewhere. But one thing is clear: The love and loyalty of their listeners won’t fade away easily.
San Antonio’s radio waves may be a bit quieter for now, but rest assured that the heart of this vibrant city still beats strong with passion for its local talent. Those who seek entertainment, information, or just a good chuckle will undoubtedly find it, even if that means tuning into new frequencies!
