Classic rock station KCAL-FM 96.7 in Redlands, California, has eliminated all of its on-air staff, moving to an automated, music-only format. The layoffs, which occurred on a Friday, affected the station's entire on-air team, including long-serving personalities.
John DeSantis, who hosted evenings and served as program director for six years, announced the dismissals on social media. "This morning the ownership of KCAL released the entire air staff," DeSantis wrote on Facebook. He confirmed that the station would be transitioning to a "human-less format." In his statement, he expressed gratitude to listeners, calling his time at KCAL "a radio dream come true."
Among those let go were afternoon host Daryl Norsell, morning host Patrick Tish, and midday host Nikki Preston. Part-time and fill-in staff also lost their positions. Norsell, who had been with KCAL-FM for 42 years, including 36 as afternoon host, described the transition as "shocking" but expressed gratitude for his tenure.
The station's owner, Anaheim Broadcasting Corporation, announced the changes in a Facebook statement, stating the station was "turning the page" and would feature "Classic rock. Nothing but music. All day across the Inland Empire." Kelly Sanders, Chief Operating Officer for Anaheim Broadcasting, said in a statement to KTLA5 that the new format aims to provide a "focused, consistent listening experience with broader appeal for both our audience and advertising partners," building on the station's "strong rock heritage."
Former general manager Jeffrey Parke, who retired days before the layoffs, told the Orange County Register that he was stunned by the decision but acknowledged that such moves are becoming common in the radio industry due to financial considerations. "The reality is that this is happening everywhere in radio, and it’s really become a bottom-line thing," Parke said.
The decision prompted an outcry from loyal listeners on social media. Many expressed disappointment, stating that the personalities were the primary reason they tuned into KCAL. "Beginning of the end… I only listened because it wasn’t robotic and had the on-air talent," one listener commented on Facebook. Another long-time listener lamented the loss of the station's personality-driven programming, which included specific music shows like "Mandatory Metallica."
The station rolled out its new all-music format on Saturday.