Radio Station Lays Off Entire Staff

A California radio station has taken the shocking decision to fire its entire staff. KCAL-FM 96.7 has transitioned into an all-music station. The decision ends 61 years of the station having a staff working on it.

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KCAL-FM made the decision public on Friday, July 31, posting a statement onto social media.

"96.7 KCAL Rocks is turning the page today. Thank you to every listener who made the last chapter what it was,"

the statement read. "THE NEXT CHAPTER STARTS NOW. Classic rock. Nothing but music. All day across the Inland Empire."

Shortly after the station made the announcemet, multiple members of its staff confirmed the decision had now left them looking for work.

"Well, it's finally our turn. This morning, the ownership of KCAL released the entire air staff," On-air personality John DeSantis wrote on 

Facebook. "Yes, all of us. They will be moving to an automated, human-less format. To say this is shocking is an understatement. I have a lot to process, and will be saying more shortly. But for right now, 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."

Other Staff From the Radio Station Shared Their Thoughts Too

DeSantis wasn't the only former staff member of KCAL-FM to share a statement after the radio station's decision.

"After an amazing 42 year run with the station, the last 36 in the Afternoon show, I can't be anything but grateful," afternoon show host Daryl Norsell, wrote on 

Facebook. "My four hours in the studio was always my favorite part of my day. My escape from whatever else was going on to be with my friends. 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."

Following the station's decision, general manager Jeffrey Parke, announced his retirement.

"I was stunned that the company was making this move, but the reality is that this is happening everywhere in radio, and it's really become a bottom-line thing," Parke told The Orange County Register.

Radio is a highly competitive business. Clearly, KCAL-FM saw its future being more sustainable with a drastically timmed overhead. Unfortunately, that decision changed how the station will operate for years to come. Only time will tell if that decision is proven to be the right one.