Wake-Up Torch Passed At KSEQ
• Lotus Rhythmic KSEQ (Q97.1)/Visalia-Fresno has annexed the Skyview Networks-syndicated Dana Cortez Show for morning drive, succeeding the long-running Greg & Dre morning show.
“After 25 years of entertaining Central California, Greg and Dre are retiring from morning radio,” said co-host/OM/PD Greg Hoffman, whose partnership with longtime partner, Andre “Dre” Covington, dates back several decades to their days as “The Juice Crew” at iHeartMedia rival KBOS (B95), until they joined KSEQ in August 2013.
“Remaining top three in the ratings for over two decades, it was an unbelievable run of success for the morning duo,” Hoffman said. “Dana and her team will bring content, interaction and opinions that will be very relatable to the Mexican American community in Central California. It’s a passing of the torch by Fresno legends Greg and Dre, to the new voice of the Latino community in the morning, The Dana Cortez Show!” Listen to Hoffman HERE formally introducing the Dana Cortez crew in-studio Monday morning.
Unlike most transitions to syndicated programming, that torch was passed in person on Sunday, Sept. 20, as Dana Cortez and her co-hosts, DJ Automatic and Anthony A, arrived in Fresno to celebrate the new partnership in front of their new audience. The team was introduced onstage at the Party in the Park Festivalat Fresno’s Woodward Park, featuring performances from Wiz Khalifa, Fetty Wap, DaBaby, Bow Wow, Soulja Boy and Petey Pablo. Pictured, backstage, (l-r): Anthony A, Dre, Greg Hoffman, Dana Cortez, & DJ Automatic.
“Being handed the baton from legendary show Greg and Dre Mornings is one of the biggest honors I’ve ever received in radio,” said Cortez. “I’m both humbled and excited to join the winning team at Q97.1! DCS in the 559… lessgoo!”
“Taking over a 25-year morning franchise is not something a station hands to just anyone, and getting on a plane to be there for it tells you who Dana and her team are,” said Andrew Kalb, Chief Operating Officer of Skyview Networks. “What matters to advertisers is not how long an affiliate list runs, but where those affiliates are and how present the talent is in those markets.”
• UPDATE: Hoffman is moving to middays as host of “The Book Of Greg” on Wednesday, while Dre, who is also a touring comedian, will be moving on to his next adventure. Kimmie Marquez is moving from middays to afternoons succeeding Alexis “Lexi” Govea, also a reporter and fill-in anchor at KMPH-TV 26 who is moving to Texas for a new television gig.
