Rufio, “The Fred Show” part ways

Kiss 103.5 FM personality exits iHeartMedia after 17 years

As first reported by Radio Insight Sunday morning, Kevin Santiago, known as “Rufio” on the show, has exited WKSC-FM’s The Fred Show after a seventeen-year run. 

In a lengthy post on Instagram, Rufio explained his decision: 

“After 17 years at iHeartRadio and 7 years as part of The Fred Show, my journey with the company came to an end when I sought a pay adjustment that reflected my contributions and responsibilities. With my contract set to expire in January, I believed it was an appropriate time to discuss a compensation increase, especially as the show continued to expand into new markets and demand more from its team. However, the company decided not to negotiate and offered a flat contract with no pay increase, extending my current salary for another three years.”

“While many assume working on a successful syndicated morning show equates to financial stability, that wasn’t my reality. I struggled to make ends meet and lived paycheck to paycheck, earning far below what could be considered a livable wage for the workload and expectations. When I communicated that I couldn’t accept the proposed terms, there was no further discussion. The initial conversation took place just before Christmas, and I received the final decision after New Year’s.”

The show’s host (Christopher Frederick) tried to mediate in the negotiations but to no avail. The Fred Show has expanded into syndication through iHeartMedia’s Premiere Networks, clearing stations in Raleigh/Durham, Salt Lake City, and Norfolk so far. Frederick came to WKSC in January 2011 from Charlotte’s WIHT-FM, replacing Drex. Originally known as AM Mayhem, and later Fred and Angi when Angi Taylor was on the show, The Fred Show has helped Kiss 103.5 FM jump over Top 40 rival B96 (WBBM-FM), who struggled in the morning daypart for years. 

Santiago is the latest person to exit iHeartMedia Chicago in recent weeks after the company made nationwide cuts. Last November, the iHeartMedia cluster fired Taylor from her morning personality position at Rock 95.5, and Market Manager Matt Scarano was also let go. 

Santiago’s post reflects the feelings of those working in the media industry as there is a misconception – whether one works in television, radio, newspapers, or Hollywood, you are well compensated, where this is far from the truth. Pay and benefits were the key issues for the actors’ and writers’ strikes in 2023, and we regularly hear journalists at TV stations lamenting about low pay. There is no shortage of horror stories. 

iHeartMedia has a reputation for under-compensating their employees, going back to when they were known as Clear Channel (often referred to as “Cheap Channel” by some), something most major radio and TV groups now do. Clear Channel also pioneered voice-tracking and regionalizing programming, something all radio groups have embraced (and what Allen Media Group is trying to do with its weather forecasts across its local news stations by centralizing them at the Weather Channel.)

iHeart can change its name as much as it wants, but the same stingy reputation remains. And it’s a shame radio and TV groups are following in their footsteps.