Layoffs Expected At Radio Stations

Layoffs were reported to be imminent today in the wake of announced management departures at radio stations KIRO-AM (710), KIRO-FM (100.7) and KNWX-AM (770).

The changes come as new owner Entertainment Communications of Philadelphia takes control of the three news-and-talk stations at midnight tonight.

Entercom, as it's called, is acquiring the stations here and stations in Kansas City from Bonneville International of Salt Lake City in a trade for an Entercom station in Houston and $5 million in cash.

The director of programming and news for KIRO-AM, KIRO-FM and KNWX, Tom Clendening, would not comment on the reported layoffs. He confirmed, however, that Kari Johnson Winston, group vice president and general manager, would depart a week from today. Winston reportedly is leaving voluntarily.

Neither Winston nor Entercom Seattle head G. Michael Donovan could be reached for comment.

In addition to Winston, Dennis Kelly, news director of the three stations, is leaving effective today to open a news-talk consulting company serving small radio stations.

Kelly declined to say whether his departure was related to the Entercom takeover, except to say that consulting has been a goal, "and the time just seems right."

Entercom owns five other Seattle stations: KBSG-FM (97.3) and KBSG-AM (1210), which play '60s and '70s hits, and rock stations KNDD-FM (107.7), KISW-FM (99.9) and KMTT-FM (103.7).