The entire airstaff at Anaheim Broadcasting’s KCAL 96.7 has been let go as the Inland Empire classic rock station moves to a no-jock format. Hosts confirmed the cuts on social media Friday, as ownership framed the change as “fewer interruptions and more music.”
The new “All Music, All the Time” format launched Saturday. The station’s Classic Rock format will run alongside sister station KOLA-FM’s Classic Hits programming. The change follows immediately on the heels of General Manager Jeffrey Parke’s retirement from the cluster.
In a statement, Anaheim Broadcasting COO Kelly Sanders said, “We rebuilt KCAL around the music our listeners grew up on, the songs and the artists that made classic rock, and we built it right here at home. KCAL will deliver a focused, consistent listening experience with broader appeal for both our audience and advertising partners.”
Word of the cuts came directly from staff rather than the company. Evening host and Program Director John DeSantis broke the news in a Facebook post, writing, “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…I just want to thank all of you for letting me be part of the KCAL family. It has been a radio dream come true. You will always rock”
Afternoon host Daryl Norsell, who said he spent 42 years with the station, including the last 36 hosting afternoons, also confirmed the layoffs on Facebook, naming morning host Patrick Tish and midday host Nikki Preston among those cut alongside him.
Other part-time and weekend staff let go included Syeda Jafri, Lacey Kendall, Tim Brown, Steve “Razz” Brazill, Mike “Mike Z” Zara, Kelli Cluque, Frank “Frank-O” Garcia, Jeremiah Paul, and Rogelio Orozco.
