A round of layoffs took place at American General Media’s four markets last week.
We’ve been told that approximately 20 employees were let go from the company’s clusters in Albuquerque NM and Bakersfield, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Maria CA. The most notable name to come public was AAA “92.5 The Krush” KKAL Paso Robles/San Luis Obispo morning host Adam Montiel. He told The Tribune, “I’ll never forget those four words: ’You’re being laid off.’ “Of course, I’m shocked. You endure a lot in this business, but when you do what you love, and love what you do, you endure.”
Montiel was on his second stint with the cluster, first serving as morning host at KKAL from 2003-08. He returned to the company in 2010 to host “Up & Adam” in mornings on then-Classic Hits “Q104.5” KIQO remaining through the acquisition of the “Coast” KSTT IP and move to that frequency in 2016 and middays on KKAL. He would move his morning show to KKAL in early 2022 and track afternoons on KSTT until his exit. Montiel also co-hosted the Wine focused “Cork Dorks” with afternoon host Jeremy West.
With the exit of Montiel, Suzanne Schonig moves from middays back to mornings at KKAL. Schonig continues to serve as Program Director/afternoon host of Rock 93.3 KZOZ and PD of AC “Coast 104.5” KSTT. Pepper Daniels, who serves as PD of KKAL as well as News/Talk 920 KVEC and PD/afternoon host Country “98.1 KJUG” KKJG, will add middays at Krush.
Elsewhere in the company, Chris ‘Flawless’ Lynwood departs afternoons at Rhythmic CHR “95.7 The Beat” KPAT Orcutt/Santa Maria after a year in the timeslot. Program Director Jessica Carroll moves from middays to afternoons, while continuing as morning co-host at “102.5 Sunny Country” KSNI-FM Santa Maria and Program Director of Variety Hits “Pirate Radio 104.1” KBOX Lompoc.
