Anaheim Broadcasting Rock 96.7 KCAL-FM Redlands/San Bernardino CA announced four staffers were let go on Tuesday due to budget cuts.
Exiting the station were 3/4 of the station’s morning show as co-hosts James ‘Jimbo’ Smith, Tiffany Angelo, and producer Steven Kono exit. Patrick Tish remains with what will become a music-intensive program.
Also exiting is night host Michael ‘Stu Man’ Stewart after 42 years at the station. Stewart had been part of the morning show from 1997-2017 until segueing to nights last February. Production Director Frank Garcia will add the night shift to his duties.
Personnel changes due to budget cuts were announced Tuesday at Inland Empire Rock 96.7 KCAL-FM Riverside. Several on-air positions were eliminated including longtime morning show members James “Jimbo” Smith and Tiffany Angelo. Also exiting is 42-year station vet Michael “Stu Man” Stewart, who had been hosting the evening show for the past year after transitioning from mornings, as well as morning show producer Steven Kono.
“The cuts took us by surprise,” said KCAL PD/afternoon host Daryl Norsell. “Especially when the station is seeing some of the best ratings success we’ve had in years. Each of them are incredibly talented and dedicated, and more importantly, really great people.”
“The ownership decided they just couldn’t keep operating KCAL with such high expenses,” added station General Manager Jeff Parke, “All of the people we had to let go are like family to me. This has been really tough, to say the least.”
The station will run a heavily music intensive show in the morning, hosted by remaining show member Patrick Tish. Evenings will be handled by current KCAL Production Director Frank Garcia.
