Posted on 08/01/2026 3:00:11 PM PDT by BenLurkin
A legendary Southern California classic rock station is pulling the plug on its DJs, laying off its entire on-air staff as it flips to a fully automated, music-only format.
KCAL, a longtime staple of the Inland Empire radio dial, announced the sweeping changes will take effect August 1, with parent company Anaheim Broadcasting Corporation promising listeners “nothing but music all day across the Inland Empire.”
Chief Operating Officer Kelly Sanders said the DJ-free format will mean fewer interruptions and more nonstop classic rock, according to a social media announcement.
“KCAL has a longstanding history in the Inland Empire, and this next chapter builds on the station’s strong rock heritage,” Sanders said in a news release, per the Orange County Register.
(Excerpt) Read more at nypost.com ...
Then I stand corrected Inyo.
I'm trying to remember stuff from over fifty years ago. I listened to the Wolfman on the very lower end of the AM dial.
Thanks, I love those!
Does 'nonstop classic rock' mean fewer commercials?
His studios were in the U.S. but broadcast from Mexico where it was legal to put out 150,000 watts of power. He pre-recorded his shows on reel to reel tape.
“Video killed the radio star”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8r-tXRLazs&list=RDW8r-tXRLazs&start_radio=1
Martha Quinn is on the air every weekday. One of the original MTV VJs. She was there on the first broadcast of MTV.
A tad leftist, but our Gen-X girl.
A legendary Southern California classic rock station is pulling the plug on its DJs, laying off its entire on-air staff as it flips to a fully automated, music-only format.
I the. WCBS-FM DID THAT A FEW YEARS AGO WITH A FORMAT THEY CALLED Jack or Jack something .
You're saying in the 60s and 70s, late at night when I was listening to the Wolfman playing Blues, Soul, and Rock, on AM radio it was just taped?
Hehheh. Still good memories. I'm sorry to see all these radio stations replacing the DJs and playlists with AI.
I remember when you could call the local radio station with a song request. And they'd play it.
Aren't we already at peak nonstop classic rock?
How much more can our ears take?
This “Legendary” station should have hired Jeff Christie. Would have made all the difference.
From The Groove Yard Of Forgotten Favorites
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-KtDzCmmA_4&pp=0gcJCWQCo7VqN5tD
Growing up in the south bay area back in the 70s we had KOME 98.5. They had these iconic black and yellow stickers that looked like a road sign that were ubiquitous. Plus, they treaded on the edge of being too racy.
“Don’t touch that dial, there’s KOME on it!”
“The KOME spot on your dial.”
“There’s KOME oozing out of your speakers!”
Their format was more free-form, and they had a few DJs that would do weekly shows with specialized music. The Sunday night show was all progressive rock and fusion.
Those were the days!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KOME
https://bayarearadio.org/audio-wp/kome-radio
Spotify uses fake AI DJs on some personalized playlists. Out of DEI courtesy, it sounds vaguely black. It sure is t white read midwestern.
Like Sirius radio
Actually I think they are going to come back a new way. Very local on air and streaming... towns small cities and even neighborhood wide. News and local.
Small radio packages to start.
Sounds crazy but just what the isolated people need.
I think Delilah still does that.
I remember talking to djs. Joey Heathertons brother Dick was one.
I remember small radio stations of tbe Midwest back in the 30s to 60s. Out of some ones kitchen. Community based.
Radio is dying. Costs are huge. AM has one foot in the grave now.
It will still be around in a much much smaller size. It won’t be as big as it once was.
“Running a “classic rock” station is easy. Seems like they have a playlist of about 50 songs on a continuous loop.”
They buy/rent playlists. Very cheap. Usually low quality digital. That is why the sound quality suffers.
One of our station intersperses some DJ like audio but it is the same thing played over and over again.
I am bet that a programmer sets it up the night before and no human is otherwise needed.
Current format dying for sure.
Community radio just might take off. Small transmitter and limited range with internet streaming option
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