L-A Radio: Dave Mason OUT At KRTH

Gregg Simms

More comings and goings at CBS Radio's Classic Hits KRTH 101.1 FM.  Assistanrt Program Director and music Director Dave Mason has left the building.

Mason arrived in Los Angeles last summer, hired by previous K-Earth PD Rick Thomas. Mason segued from a five-year run as PD/morning personality at Broadcast Company of the Americas' Classic Hits XHPRS/San Diego.

Meanwhile K-Earth has added Greg Simms for weekend (Sat. 11-4p, Sun 2-7p) and fill-in duties. The hiring comes after the station let four veteran weekenders go last week.

Simms has previous experience at KYSR 98.7 FM Star in L-A and KFMB in San Diego.

Simms stated, "K-EARTH is such an amazing radio station! Anybody who's Anybody in L.A. radio history has been behind that mic ... what an honor!!!  Plus, I couldn't be more thrilled than to be back working for Chris Ebbott!!"

Simms is also a Voice-Over artist.

CBS Radio last week let go KNX Program Director Andy Ludlum and on-air personality Bob McCormick, who had a short segment on KNX but was better known as the host of “Money 101” on KFWB 980 AM. A producer of that show, Austin Cross, was also let go. KFWB recently switched its format from news-talk to all-sports.

Dan Kearney, market manager for CBS Radio Los Angeles, said the program director shakeup came from a need to reinvigorate KNX’s programming to make it more attractive to younger listeners.

“We need to change the delivery of the news to make it more appealing to younger demographics,” he told the L-A Business Journal.

KNX in August ranked 15th in the Los Angeles radio market, with a 2.7 percent share of all audiences six and older, according to ratings firm Arbitron.