Blanco Steps Away From Radio
• Inland Empire Classic Hits KOLA/Riverside-San Bernardino, CA bids a fond farewell to morning co-host Irma Blanco, whose last day was Friday, Jan. 12. Blanco, who had been teamed up with Jesse Duran for nearly five years, announced her desire to explore other life adventures with her family. Blanco broke the news of her decision on-air and on video.
In a memo announcing Blanco’s departure, KOLA PD Gary Springfield said, “Since joining the morning show in April of 2013, Irma has been an integral part of making the show No. 1 in the Inland Empire. Through the best traffic reports in the IE, ‘Celebrity Scoop’ and her contributions to the many games on the morning show, Irma has always been a great performer and she will definitely be missed.” He added, “Selfishly, I want her to stay and to continue as a team member of such a great show that I think has even more to offer. However, it’s Irma’s decision to leave and I support her 100%. Irma is looking forward to spending more time with her family, getting some well-deserved sleep and pursuing other passion projects away from radio. I know we all wish Irma the best in her new pursuits and will be sad to see her go. Thanks for a great run, Irma.”
As Duran told RAMP, “When I got the job at KOLA and they asked me who I wanted as a co-host, and my first response was Irma Blanco. I thank her for her contributions and almost five years of great ratings!” Blanco previously worked for Clear Channel Hot AC KBIG (104.3 MYfm) and the former KHHT (Hot 92.3)/Los Angeles. She also co-hosted Mancow’s Morning Madhouse on the former WRCX (Rock 103.5)/Chicago in the mid-’90s, and she and Jesse Duran briefly worked together at KGGI/Riverside. Gary Springfield has already begun the search for a replacement and is currently lining up auditions.
