Kaplan Steps Down At KROQ
• RAMP has confirmed that Mike Kaplan has relinquished his position as Brand Manager of Alternative mainstay KROQ/Los Angeles after two years in the position. He will remain Brand Manager of Alternative bookend WNYL (ALT 92.3)/New York and Audacy Alternative Format VP.
Audacy issued a statement to RAMP that reads, “Mike Kaplan has decided to step down as KROQ Brand Manager. Mike has come to the conclusion, personally and professionally, that this is best for him. He also believes KROQ deserves a Brand Manager solely dedicated to the brand and one that lives in Los Angeles 24/7. Mike will continue on as Brand Manager at New York’s Alt 92.3 and as Audacy’s Alternative Format VP. Our search for a new VP of Programming for KROQ begins today.” And with that, here is the job posting (ID 2022-4135).
Kaplan (left), who had been serving as SVP of Programming, Alternative Format Captain and Brand Manager of WNYL (ALT 92.3)/New York, was handed the keys to KROQ and its lengthy legacy in Feb. 2020 on the heels of Kevin Weatherly‘s momentous departure after 28 years and embarked on a bicoastal programming mission.
Since then, KROQ has undergone some musical adjustments and high-profile staff changes, like the March 2020 termination of longtime morning host Kevin Ryder and cast and the subsequent move of afternoon duo Ted Stryker and Kevin Klein into mornings. Ryder ended up co-hosting afternoon drive with Doug “Sluggo” Roberts across the street at Meruelo Media Classic Rock KLOS, while Stryker left KROQ last June and joined iHeartMedia format rival KYSR (ALT 98.7) last month to co-host afternoon drive with Chris Booker.
Variety has a more in-depth assessment of Kaplan’s tenure at KROQ.
