Following the loss of federal funding under President Trump, KCRW-FM (89.9), a popular radio station in Southern California, has had to reduce its workforce by 10%, impacting several well-known on-air personalities.
The layoffs affected popular on-air personalities like Jeremy Sole, Jason Kramer, and José Galván. These hosts were known for their diverse musical selections and played a key role in introducing many local and international artists to a larger audience.
KCRW is making changes to its operations and reducing staff by 10% due to financial challenges, according to a memo from President Jennifer Ferro. These cuts are a result of both shifting media consumption habits and a decrease in federal funding. The organization has carefully considered these changes to ensure it can continue to serve its audience effectively.
The memo didn’t mention Sole, Kramer, and Galván by name, but each of them announced their leaving on social media with sad and sometimes critical posts.
Business
Many small NPR and PBS stations in California are facing difficulties after losing federal funding. Larger stations are also preparing for budget reductions.
After 14 years of sharing my musical selections and unique style on KCRW, I’ve been let go, along with several other long-time DJs. As a Los Angeles native, it was a lifelong dream to be part of the station, and I always felt grateful for the chance to share music with listeners each week. While I’m saddened by this change, I’m passionate about radio and look forward to new opportunities at organizations that are better managed. It’s the end of my time at 89.9 FM.
With a lot of sadness, I’m announcing that after 18 and a half wonderful years, today will be my last show on KCRW. It’s been the greatest honor of my life to share music with you every week, and I’ve always hoped to bring a little bit of soul and appreciation for music from all over the world to your ears.
After 27 years with KCRW, Kramer announced he has been laid off, along with several other DJs. He expressed his continued love for the station and his commitment to supporting the artists he featured.
Hollywood Inc.
Classical California, a radio station owned by the University of Southern California, recently had $1.1 million in funding withdrawn by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
These latest cuts reflect ongoing financial difficulties for the music-focused station, which is facing a tough environment for public media. Last year, KCRW dealt with a $3 million budget shortfall and offered employees voluntary severance packages. As a result, Anthony Valadez, co-host of “Morning Becomes Eclectic,” and Janaya Williams, host of “All Things Considered,” both left. The program “Greater LA” was also discontinued. Previously, in 2020, the station laid off almost 25% of its staff due to financial pressures brought on by the pandemic.
KUSC-FM 91.5, Los Angeles’ leading classical music station, was also severely impacted by funding cuts once federal support ended.
In a memo to staff, KCRW’s Ferro acknowledged these are difficult changes, but emphasized they’re essential for the station’s future. She assured staff that KCRW will remain committed to its core values: building community, fostering connection, and providing courageous, inspiring content relevant to Southern California.
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2025-10-20 21:31