South Florida radio station leaving listeners stunned and disappointed

A major shake-up at a South Florida radio station leaving listeners stunned and disappointed after finding out several of their favorite on-air radio personalities were abruptly let go. James T. Thomas. Jill Tracey and Missey Bailey were taken off the air Monday as morning hosts on HOT105, as part of a downsizing move by Cox Media Group.Tracey has been in the radio industry for more than 30 years. She served as news director and morning news anchor on The Rickey Smiley Morning Show where she brought vibrant energy, insightful commentary on the HOT NEWS NOW segment. She also hosted her popular weekend evening show "Hot Talk with Jill Tracey" which aired at 11:00pm on Sundays. Missey Bailey served as the station's Sunday morning Gospel show "On Assignment". She's been with Cox Media Group Miami since 1999 first at WEDR before moving to WHQT HOT105 in 2004.Tracey says the decision was made due to declining numbers at the station. "They are just trying to cut everywhere they can because they aren't doing the numbers that they used to," Tracey told the Miami Herald.The news has many in the community and industry speculating and questioning the move.Cox Media Group which is the owner of HOT105 and 99 Jamz have remained silent about the firings.James T. Thomas has been with HOT105 for decades as midday and afternoon host. He started his journey in South Florida radio and news media scene more than 50 years ago including WIRK-AM, WHRS-FM, WRBD/WCKO and Channel 5 WPTV in West Palm Beach.His smooth delivery made him a favorite among listeners. His talent led him to become the host of the James T Morning Show on co-owned Hip Hop WEDR. In 2003, Thomas returned to his roots as the midday on-air talent at WHQT HOT105.These well known radio hosts are not the only ones who have left Cox Media Group Miami.Earlier this month prominent radio personality, Cindy Doucet known to many as SUPA CINDY resigned from sister station WEDR-99 JAMZ as morning show host, after more than 20 years with the station. In a June 7th video message posted on instagram to fans, Cindy said prioritizing her mental health and personal well-being was important for her. "I have reached the ceiling in the room I am in, limiting myself when I know what greatness I possess. We have to be realistic; when something no longer serves you, you can only ignore the signs for so long."
Cindy spoke about a recent dream she had about a bat flying around her home. When she Googled the significance of dreaming with a bat it meant - "to trust your gut and follow your instincts when making important decisions". "It's time to move forward to explore new goals and my happiness", she said. In closing, Cindy said, "I want to focus on my happiness... I'm not willing to sacrifice my happiness, or my mental health, for that matter." Cindy stressed that she is not leaving South Florida and will remain busy with her nonprofit organization. Supa Cindy's departure also followed the exit of WEDR afternoon radio host 'Julezz' Castanon who also left the station last month.