KCAL Flips To Jockless Classic Rock
• UPDATED: Some seismic radio activity rolling through California’s Inland Empire today, as Anaheim Broadcasting announced it was “expanding the musical focus” of Active Rock KCAL 96.7/Riverside-San Bernardino “to feature a broader collection of Classic Rock.” This new “All Music, All The Time” direction starts Saturday, August 1.
What isn’t mentioned in this announcement is this “All Music, All The Time” theme has resulted in the termination of all full-time KCAL personalities — most notably Daryl Norsell — 42-year KCAL veteran, PD since 2014, and afternoons for 36 years; Patrick Tish, morning talent/Imaging Director, a 13-year station vet; Nikki Preston, eight years as midday talent and Public Service Director; and market veteran John DeSantis, nights/Promotions Director, who just marked six years with KCAL; along with Eve Hart, morning traffic and production for KCAL and Classic Hits KOLA 99.9.
Also out: the part-time/weekend/fill-in staff: Lacey Kendall, Tim Brown, Steve “Razz” Brazill, Mike “Mike Z” Zara, Lacey Kendall, Kelli Cluque, Frank “Frank-O” Garcia, Syeda Jafri, Jeremiah Paul, and Rogelio Orozco.
In a statement sent to RAMP, Norsell said, “While it’s been a really tough day for us here, I couldn’t be more proud of the KCAL crew, past and present, and what we were able to put together on this little Class A signal in the shadow of LA for so many years. We’ve always worked really hard to build a deep community connection with the KCAL listeners and they’ve always been there for us too. It’s been an incredible 42 year ride for me, and I leave with nothing but gratitude for the experience. I want to thank all the talented and passionate personalities who have cracked the mic at the station over the decades, the awesome staffers that put their all into making this place special, and my longtime partner in crime, former KCAL GM Jeff Parke.” — who retired last month after 40 years of service. Pictured, (l-r): Patrick Tish, Nikki Preston, Daryl Norsell, and John DeSantis
“Hire these jocks!” Norsell exclaimed. “They deserve to be on the air somewhere tomorrow, and you’ll love how they approach everything they do.” You heard the man — hit up Daryl at darylnorsell@gmail.com • Patrick Tish at patricktish@yahoo.com • Nikki Preston at nicolepreston@outlook.com • John DeSantis at john13desantis@gmail.com • Eve Hart at Radiogirl74@gmail.com.
