CA Radio: Layoffs Rock KCAL-FM

Personnel changes due to budget cuts were announced Tuesday at Inland Empire's Rock KCAL 96.7 FM Riverside-San Bernardino CA.

Several on-air positions were eliminated including longtime morning show members James “Jimbo” Smith and Tiffany Angelo.

Also exiting is 42-year station vet Michael “Stu Man” Stewart, who had been hosting the evening show for the past year after transitioning from mornings, as well as morning show producer Steven Kono.

“The cuts took us by surprise,” said KCAL PD/afternoon host Daryl Norsell. “Especially when the station is seeing some of the best ratings success we’ve had in years. Each of them are incredibly talented and dedicated, and more importantly, really great people.”

“The ownership decided they just couldn’t keep operating KCAL with such high expenses,” added station General Manager Jeff Parke, “All of the people we had to let go are like family to me. This has been really tough, to say the least.”

KCAL 96.7 FM (1.75 Kw) Red=Local Coverage Area

The station will run a heavily music intensive show in the morning, hosted by remaining show member Patrick Tish. Evenings will be handled by current KCAL Production Director Frank Garcia.