Tucson Wakes Up With Dakota & Andy

• Cumulus Classic Hits KHYT (K-Hit 107.5)/Tucson bid an emotional farewell to longtime morning host Tim Tyler, who recently announced his retirement and signed off Friday morning, May 27, unplugging his cans after a successful 51-year career.

Shortly thereafter, the station announced its next morning show, created using popular existing staffers — the newly minted team of Dakota & Andy debuts Tuesday, May 31, starring Dakota, who moves up from nights, and Andy Taylor, who is elevated from afternoon drive.

A 25-year radio veteran, Dakota (left) previously worked in Los Angeles, Ventura, Bakersfield, and Santa Barbara. Taylor (right) is a 30-year radio pro who earlier in his career spent a decade as co-host of the Barry & Andy morning show on KPSI/Palm Springs, CA before moving the show to Tucson from 2000-2007. Since then, Taylor has worked at News-Talk KNST AM 790 and did mornings on KGVY 1080. Taylor has also produced his own technology show since 1996 and is the current Tech Expert for KMSB (Fox 11) hosting weekly technology segments.

Herb Crowe, OM/PD of KHYT, said, “While all of us at K-Hit are happy for Tim Tyler as he starts a new chapter of his life, we’re also incredibly excited about the opportunity to expand and develop the talents of Dakota and Andy in their new morning show roles. They are both extremely familiar with the Tucson market and bring a wealth of experience and creativity to morning drive.”

Dakota commented, “I’m thrilled, ecstatic, over the moon and still a bit in shock about being given the honor to create a morning show with Andy Taylor. I’m looking forward to a whole world of possibilities as well as the new friendships and partnerships Andy and I will be making. Through all of life’s ups and downs, radio has always been my one true love.” Taylor added, “I’m really excited for the opportunity to shake K-Hit 107.5 listeners out of bed with great morning radio. Together, Dakota and I will help get rid of the sleepies!”