John & Ken, Minus Ken = John
• The end of a successful three-decade-long LA radio partnership is almost upon us, as Ken Chiampou, co-host of the John and Ken Show alongside John Kobylt for nearly 36 years on iHeartMedia News-Talk KFI 640/Los Angeles, announced he will be retiring, effective Dec. 6.
As covered by Richard Wagoner in the LA Daily News, Chiampou (right) made his big announcement at the top of Monday’s show. “I am saying goodbye,” he said. “After very little thought, this is what I’m gonna do.” Apparently this news was not totally unexpected, as Kobylt (left) cracked, “I mentioned it to one of my sons who’s in his twenties, and he goes, ‘Wow, wasn’t he talking about that when I was in elementary school?'”
The news of Chiampou’s impending departure was officially shared in a staff memo from KFI Program Director Robin Bertolucci, obtained by RAMP, that reads, in part, “We are losing an icon. Ken Chiampou is retiring, effective December 6th. John and Ken came to KFI in 1992 and have been Southern California radio legends ever since. As a team, they’ve worked together longer than most marriages… 36 years!”
Kobylt and Chiampou first teamed up in 1988 at WOND-AM 1400/Atlantic City, NJ as “The Odd Couple.” After a brief stint at 103.7 WMGM/Atlantic City, the duo joined WKXW (New Jersey 101.5)/Trenton, NJ when it launched in March 1990. Two years later, John & Ken made their meteoric move west to KFI as afternoon hosts, and except for a brief stint from 1999-2000 when they crossed the street to do mornings at rival 790 KABC — returning in 2001 — the guys have called KFI home. Earlier this year, their show moved from drivetime to 1-4pm.
Bertolucci’s memo continues, “Over the years they have done on-site coverage of the biggest news stories, including the OJ Simpson, Scott Peterson and Michael Jackson trials. They have also engaged thousands of people around public issues in Southern California. They’ve focused their efforts on everything from holding public officials accountable to the homeless crisis, to taxes and the pandemic.”
Bertolucci added, “While we are losing Ken Chiampou as part of the daily team, John Kobylt will continue the show with the same level of passion and attitude. We’ve spent a lot of time thinking about a name for the show and we settled on The John Kobylt Show!” Kobylt’s new show launches Dec. 12.
In closing, the memo states, “We thank Ken for his years of service to KFI and the community and wish him the very best in his retirement.”
