That's what was reported in this afternoon's update at All Access.CLEAR CHANNEL SVP/AC Programming JIM RYAN tells ALL ACCESS, "It is with mixed emotions that I tell you that VALERIE SMALDONE has decided not to renew her contract with the station. In her 24 years at CLEAR CHANNEL AC WLTW (LITE 106.7)/NEW YORK, VALERIE has become so much more than a radio personality. We will all watch her continued growth and success in whatever direction she chooses and wish her the best of luck."
Mainstream AC isn't typically known for its personalities, but WLTW was always a little different than most of the other AC's around the country. In my opinion, a large part of what made Lite-FM a very special (and hugely successful) station was it's humanity. Ms. Smaldone played a big role in that differentiation.
I have no idea what transpired between Valerie and the station, but given the cuts and realignments Clear Channel has been making around the country it's not too much of a stretch to guess what happened. This move now completes a nearly complete purge of the entire airstaff over the last couple of years.
With more and more non-stop music machines available from a ever-growing variety of sources, one has to wonder whether moves such as this one will turn out as planned. Maybe the next great AC star for WLTW is waiting in the wings--at a lower price point; but what if they aren't?
What is a rating point worth in New York?
