Santa Monica Community College’s 89.9 KCRW Santa Monica/Los Angeles has announced that Jason Bentley will step down as Music Director and host of Morning Becomes Eclectic on August 30.

Bentley has spent his entire professional career at KCRW starting as a volunteer upon graduating high school in 1988. He began hosting weeknights in 1992 and rose to the MD/Morning Becomes Eclectic duties in 2008 following the exit of Nic Harcourt. Bentley will continue to host his electronic mix show Metropolis on Saturday nights.

The station will conduct a national search for two people to fill Bentley’s shoes as the Music Director and Morning Becomes Eclectic host will become two separate positions. Music Supervisor Anne Litt will serves as Interim MD.

KCRW announces today that Jason Bentley will complete his ten-year term as KCRW’s Music Director and host of Morning Becomes Eclectic. Bentley’s last show as host of Morning Becomes Eclectic will be August 30, 2019. KCRW will be conducting a nationwide search to find Bentley’s replacement. Bentley will continue to host his popular Saturday-night global electronic mix show, Metropolis.

Bentley said this about his time on the program:

“It’s been the honor of a lifetime to serve this community, working closely with musicians and local arts institutions, and helping shape the sound of the greatest radio station on Earth.” He adds, “Now, I’m excited to explore new directions and make way for KCRW’s continued success.”

“Every Music Director at KCRW has made their lasting mark on KCRW and Jason is no different. His radio-perfect voice and impeccable music taste has inspired so many. Jason’s attention to detail and programming instinct made a true impact here. I know he leaves KCRW in a better place and am excited to see what else he does next,” says KCRW President Jennifer Ferro