With recent cuts at iHeart Media, former hosts and program directors say a community of people is also taking a hit. 

They say radio has historically been used as a tribal drum to rally people together, sharing information and unknown stories in the community. Without those voices they say some communities have no outlet.

With the new system that iHeartMedia called "modernization," former employees tell Spectrum News, community members will have fewer people stationed in Syracuse to call on if they need information or to call when something happens.

They say getting rid of black voices does a disservice to African Americans, removing the station's credibility and relationship to the community.

"If you see somebody who looks like you who sounds like you and comes from the same background you're going to trust them a lot more with the words coming out of their mouth," said Kenny Dees, former program director at iHeartMedia. 

"We're basically using the technology of voice trackers and making announcers appear as if they are here in the city, they never even been to the town. It's so bland. No connection, no feeling," said former program director and iHeartMedia host Dr. Rick Wright.

Former employees say despite the current circumstances, they're optimistic about the Black community and radio. They note we need radio now more than ever in this climate.