Calif. Radio Station Lays Off Entire On-Air Staff: ‘To Say This Is Shocking Is an Understatement,’ Says Host

**KCAL-FM 96.7 Transitions to All-Music Format, Laying Off Entire On-Air Team After 61 Years**

KCAL-FM 96.7, a well-known radio station based in California, has announced a significant shift in its programming strategy, transitioning to an all-music format from 1 August 2023. This decision has resulted in the layoff of the station’s entire on-air staff, marking an abrupt end to the roles held by many long-serving personalities.

In a statement published via social media on 31 July, the station expressed heartfelt gratitude to its listeners: “96.7 KCAL Rocks is turning the page today. Thank you to every listener who made the last chapter what it was. THE NEXT CHAPTER STARTS NOW. Classic rock. Nothing but music. All day across the Inland Empire.” This move comes after KCAL-FM’s proud 61-year history in the region.

Listeners were taken aback by the sudden changes, particularly the news shared by evening host John DeSantis. Taking to Facebook, he said, “Well, it’s finally our turn. This morning, the ownership of KCAL released the entire air staff. Yes, all of us. They will be moving to an automated, human-less format. To say this is shocking is an understatement.” DeSantis added a message of appreciation, highlighting the significance of his time on-air, “It has been a radio dream come true.”

Long-time afternoon host Daryl Norsell also shared his sentiments on the impending changes. With a career at the station spanning 42 years, including 36 years on the afternoon show, he expressed both shock and gratitude. Norsell reflected on his time at KCAL, stating, “My four hours in the studio was always my favourite part of my day. I started in radio when I was just 18 and at KCAL when I was 20 years old, and I’ve literally grown up and spent my entire adult life on the air with you playing music that I love and sharing stories and experiences.”

The challenges faced by radio stations are not new, as industry shifts have led to greater reliance on automated programming and cost-cutting measures. These recent layoffs follow closely on the heels of another significant change at the station: the retirement of long-serving General Manager Jeffrey Parke in June. Parke’s departure signalled a troubling trend within the radio industry, which he described as increasingly driven by bottom-line considerations.

Speaking to The Orange County Register, Parke remarked on the state of the sector, stating, “I was stunned that the company was making this move, but the reality is that this is happening everywhere in radio.” This sentiment has resonated with many in the industry, pointing to a growing number of stations adopting similar models in the quest for profitability.

Kelly Sanders, Chief Operating Officer of Anaheim Broadcasting Corporation, acknowledged the profound legacy of KCAL-FM as a cornerstone of classic rock in the Inland Empire. In a recent press release, he stated, “KCAL has a longstanding history in the Inland Empire, and this next chapter builds on the station’s strong rock heritage.” He reassured listeners that the new format aims to provide a focused and consistent listening experience that appeals to a broader audience, along with advertising partners.

Despite the reshaping of the station, the emotional impact on the laid-off staff and loyal listeners remains significant. For those who dedicated years to providing programming for the local community, the changes signal a loss not just of jobs but also of personal connections that formed over decades of broadcasting.

As KCAL-FM 96.7 embarks on this new chapter of solely playing classic rock music, many in the listening community are left reflecting on the rich history and personal memories intertwined with the station’s programming. The move serves as a stark reminder of the evolving landscape of radio and the ongoing challenges it faces in maintaining traditional broadcasting formats amidst changing consumer preferences and operational strategies.

In the wake of these developments, it remains to be seen how the new changes will resonate with listeners and if the station can sustain its legacy in a rapidly evolving market.