Blab Music
KCAL 96.7 FM Loses All On-Air Staff, Switches to Automated Classic Rock
On a hot July 31, 2026, the familiar voice of KCAL 96.7 FM fell silent. The Redlands‑licensed station announced that it had released every on‑air employee and would begin broadcasting an automated classic‑rock playlist without live personalities the following day. The change was revealed in a graphic posted to the station’s social‑media accounts: “96.7 KCAL Rocks is turning the page today. Thank you to every listener who made the last chapter what it was. THE NEXT CHAPTER STARTS NOW. Classic rock. Nothing but music. All day across the Inland Empire.”
The news was confirmed by longtime host John DeSantis, who posted on Facebook that “the ownership of KCAL released the entire air staff. Yes, all of us. They will be moving to an automated, human‑less format.” He thanked listeners for their support, writing, “I just want to thank all of you for letting me be part of the KCAL family. It has been a radio dream come true. You will always rock.” Afternoon host Daryl Norsell, who has worked at the station for 42 years, also verified the layoffs. In a Facebook post he said, “Yeah, it’s true. The entire KCAL air staff was let go today. Patrick in the Morning, Nikki Preston, John DeSantis, and myself. Plus our awesome weekend crew.” Norsell reflected on his career, noting that “my four hours in the studio was always my favorite part of my day” and that he plans to take a break before deciding on his next move.
KCAL 96.7 has long been known for its active‑rock format under the ownership of Anaheim Broadcasting. Its studios sit on Orange Tree Lane in Redlands, and its signal blankets the Inland Empire, covering Riverside and San Bernardino counties. The new format will be fully automated, playing classic‑rock tracks 24 hours a day with no on‑air talent. Anaheim Broadcasting has positioned KCAL’s shift alongside its sister station KOLA‑FM, which airs a classic‑hits format, to target adult listeners in the region.
For listeners, the change means the loss of voices that have punctuated the area’s daily soundtrack for decades. While the station will continue to play music, the community‑building element that personalities provide will be absent. The decision follows a period of financial pressure that has prompted several stations in the region to cut staff.
As of now, KCAL 96.7 has not announced any plans to hire new on‑air talent or alter its automated playlist. The station will launch the new format on August 1, 2026, and will continue to serve the Inland Empire with classic‑rock music. The transition marks a significant shift for a station that has been a staple of the area’s radio landscape. Local listeners and industry observers will watch to see how the automated format performs in terms of audience retention and advertising revenue.
The news was confirmed by longtime host John DeSantis, who posted on Facebook that “the ownership of KCAL released the entire air staff. Yes, all of us. They will be moving to an automated, human‑less format.” He thanked listeners for their support, writing, “I just want to thank all of you for letting me be part of the KCAL family. It has been a radio dream come true. You will always rock.” Afternoon host Daryl Norsell, who has worked at the station for 42 years, also verified the layoffs. In a Facebook post he said, “Yeah, it’s true. The entire KCAL air staff was let go today. Patrick in the Morning, Nikki Preston, John DeSantis, and myself. Plus our awesome weekend crew.” Norsell reflected on his career, noting that “my four hours in the studio was always my favorite part of my day” and that he plans to take a break before deciding on his next move.
KCAL 96.7 has long been known for its active‑rock format under the ownership of Anaheim Broadcasting. Its studios sit on Orange Tree Lane in Redlands, and its signal blankets the Inland Empire, covering Riverside and San Bernardino counties. The new format will be fully automated, playing classic‑rock tracks 24 hours a day with no on‑air talent. Anaheim Broadcasting has positioned KCAL’s shift alongside its sister station KOLA‑FM, which airs a classic‑hits format, to target adult listeners in the region.
For listeners, the change means the loss of voices that have punctuated the area’s daily soundtrack for decades. While the station will continue to play music, the community‑building element that personalities provide will be absent. The decision follows a period of financial pressure that has prompted several stations in the region to cut staff.
As of now, KCAL 96.7 has not announced any plans to hire new on‑air talent or alter its automated playlist. The station will launch the new format on August 1, 2026, and will continue to serve the Inland Empire with classic‑rock music. The transition marks a significant shift for a station that has been a staple of the area’s radio landscape. Local listeners and industry observers will watch to see how the automated format performs in terms of audience retention and advertising revenue.
