iHeartMedia layoffs end runs for longtime Quad-Cities radio hosts

Radio waves around the Quad-Cities will sound a little different going forward without popular hosts.

Earlier this week, iHeartMedia, the parent company behind several news stations in the Quad-Cities including WLLR, announced layoffs at its various stations. According to the Hollywood Reporter, the news layoffs are part of a cost-saving plan meant to lead to $50 million in annualized cost savings.

Mark Manuel, host for The New BIG 106.5 and 100.7 The Fox, took to Facebook earlier this week to announce his last show has been broadcast. Manuel said he had an "amazing run in the iHeartRadio building on Kimberly Road," having been there on and off since 1991.

"I just want to thank all of YOU for listening thru the years, whether it was on the old 103.7 KUUL-FM, Mix 96, All Hit 98-9, KUUL-FM (again), WOC-AM, Q106.5, and now BIG 106.5…as well as my Iowa City friends with 100.7 The Fox," he said. "I have learned more in the past six years as a multi-market program director than I did in the previous 35 years of my career. I'm sure I'll turn up (like a bad penny) on your radio dial somewhere."

He continued by thanking iHeartMedia for supporting him through his broadcast career and wished success on everyone still at the station.

Similarly, host Dani Howe took to Facebook to say her own 30 year career at WLLR has come to an end. She co-hosted the popular Leuck and Howe Morning Show with Pat Leuck, who was also let go from the station.

"I can't even begin to thank all of you who made my mornings the highlight of my day. I miss you already and the celebrations we had every day. I do consider myself very lucky to have been in one place for so many years," she wrote. " I feel the QC is my second forever home. Thank you for so many wonderful memories!"

Howe continued by saying although she won't be at her normal location at the fair this year, she encouraged listeners to come listen to her band at the oldies tent.

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This story was originally published June 26, 2026 at 8:37 PM.