Complex Departs KKFR/Phoenix
• RAMP has confirmed that Ben “Complex” Romero has resigned as PD of Desert Valley Media Group Rhythmic KKFR (Power 98.3 & 96.1)/Phoenix, effective Thursday, Feb, 23, closing out a decade of service spanning two tours of duty.
In a staff memo, Romero said, in part, “I have spent 10 valuable and meaningful years with Power and I can truly say this station has been my heart and soul. I am fortunate to have each and every one of you on my side along this journey. Each of you are like family to me and most likely know more about me than my own family. I’ve been lucky to watch each and every one of you put your blood, sweat and tears into Power over the last 10 years. Your passion and craft is unbelievably infectious and inspiring and I feel very fortunate to have been in the battlefield with every one of you and watch this all be built.”
He added, “Your talent, and ability to touch the listeners life will most likely be what most people remember you for and I understand why, however I don’t think this is your greatest quality. I believe it’s your passion, vision and drive, which is honestly so unique and infectious. You strive to navigate spaces in a way others don’t. Each and everyone of you have brought amazing moments to the listeners. Making everything sound bigger than life. That is such a simple thing to say but it’s so so hard for many people in this industry to achieve or maintain. Congrats on what each of you have done. You deserve all the attention you’re getting.”
Complex had enjoyed a lengthy history with KKFR, dating back to an early stint as a mixer before he went on to serve as MD/Mix Show Coordinator at KWIE/Riverside, and in 2008 was named APD/MD of Impact (now Iliad) Radio Group Rhythmic KWYD (Wild 101)/Boise, ID. In February 2010, Complex was upped to PD of Wild 101. He rejoined KKFR in August 2012, was upped to APD/MD the following year, and, in May 2019 was elevated to PD following the departure of Mikey Fuentes.
RAMP reached out to Complex, who told us, “Working at KKFR over the last 10 years has been one of the happiest times of my life — the station has been my heart and soul. I’m very grateful for the relationships I’ve built over the last 10 years, and I’m happy to know that I’ve gained lifelong friends from my role. The team here is really remarkable, and I’m sad to leave such an incredible group of people.” Looking ahead, Complex can now be reached at complexmixshow@gmail.com.
When inquiring about the matter of a successor to Complex, RAMP contacted Mike Gallagher, OM of Desert Valley Media Phoenix, who said, “Until a replacement is named the consulting team of Tim Richards, Ken Benson, and Anthony Acampora (Smith Richards Collective) will be helping bridge the gap.”
