American General Media is the latest radio group to experience a company-wide reduction in force, including the release of popular California Central Coast radio host Adam Montiel. AGM operates stations in Bakersfield, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Maria, CA, along with a cluster in Albuquerque, NM.
Montiel, who first joined AGM in 2003, hosted Up & Adam in the Morning on The Krush 92.5 (KKAL). Program Director Suzanne Schonig confirmed Montiel’s departure to the San Luis Obispo Tribune, stating it was part of a larger layoff within the company. Schonig will take up mornings on KKAL for the interim.
Montiel also hosted The Cork Dorks, a wine appreciation show, and an afternoon segment on Coast 104.5 (KSTT). Beyond his radio work, he gained a reputation for his charitable initiatives, most notably his annual “Breaking & Entering Christmas,” which covertly renovates a local family’s home for the holiday season.
“I’ll never forget those four words: ‘You’re being laid off.’ Of course, I’m shocked. You endure a lot in this business, but when you do what you love, and love what you do, you endure,” said Montiel. “I gave my heart to build and bring entertaining and enlightening content and to tell the stories of our hardworking neighbors. I will always be thankful for my time at AGM, and I look forward to continuing to build great relationships, entertain and promote the community.”
The number of employees laid off and how many from each cluster has not yet been confirmed by AGM.
Adam Montiel. You’re a great guy with a great heart. Sorry to hear about this.