Atlanta-based Cumulus Media Inc., which owns some of the city's most popular radio stations, has eliminated its local market manager position, leaving veteran Indianapolis radio executive Chris Wheat jobless.

Wheat confirmed Wednesday morning that he was released from his duties Tuesday.

Locally, Cumulus operates adult-hits station WJJK-FM 104.5 and country station WFMS-FM 95.5. Both rank among the city's top 10 stations in terms of audience share. It also owns top-20 station WRWM-FM 93.9, which plays hits dating back to the 1990s.

“I knew that there were some things going on behind the scenes,” he said, “so it didn’t come as a shock at all.”

Wheat said it's possible he'll find another job with Cumulus.

“There’s a feeling that I could be useful to the company in the future,” he said, though in what position has yet to be determined.

A phone call to a Cumulus spokesperson seeking comment on Wheat's departure was not returned Wednesday morning.

Wheat took over Cumulus’ local operations in September 2007 after a long run with San Antonio-based Clear Channel, which operates local radio stations WFBQ-FM 94.7, WRZX-FM 103.3 and WNDE-AM 1260.