KROQ’s Nicole Alvarez signs off after 22 years, urges station to ‘take risks again’ in farewell letter

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Radio host Nicole Alvarez is parting ways with KROQ-FM (106.7), where she has worked for over two decades, reportedly due to conflicts with the station’s management team.

On Wednesday, Alvarez announced her departure from the station through a post on Instagram and a farewell letter published by the Hollywood Reporter. In these publications, she discussed her exit, which occurred weeks after her final broadcast on July 30. Since September 2003, she had been a member of the KROQ team, serving as an on-air personality for weekday programming.

In a manner of speaking, Alvarez penned for THR that I was unsure about the conclusion. However, whatever the outcome may be, I realized I’d be the one tasked with penning the last installment.

Entertainment & Arts

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Alvarez mentioned that she didn’t plan for the late July broadcast to be her final one, describing it as an intense, unstoppable moment. She went on to explain that she left abruptly following a heated argument with her superior. Although she didn’t provide additional details about the discussion, Alvarez emphasized that her resignation stems from something much bigger.

Leaving KROQ was one of the toughest decisions I’ve ever had to make,” Alvarez stated. This iconic station, known for its alternative rock programming, has been instrumental in launching the careers of bands such as Nirvana, U2, and Depeche Mode, as Alvarez emphasized in her letter. Throughout her time there, Alvarez also provided a platform for artists like Linkin Park, Muse, Smashing Pumpkins, and Mumford & Sons.

She stated, ‘I couldn’t stand it any longer. Having been disrespectfully treated by an executive with such a reputation, I decided it was time for me to move on.’

Instead of speaking negatively about her long-standing radio station, Alvarez stopped writing any further supposed disrespectful remarks. Representatives from Audacy, the company that owns KROQ and numerous other stations in Southern California, declined to comment on this matter to The Times.

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For Alvarez, leaving KROQ was less about the station itself and more about the current state of radio broadcasting and modern business practices. It’s been reported that she resigned after not accepting a proposed contract extension.

She expressed regret over what she perceived as a change in KROQ’s position within the music community throughout the years, stating that it now appears more like a spreadsheet and that its managers seem to prioritize professional achievements rather than passion. Alvarez underscored her devotion to KROQ and reminisced about her past of sharing significant news updates and breaking popular tunes on the radio.

As she moves, Alvarez wrote that the station has a chance to return to its roots.

KROQ could regain its identity and fame by taking bold steps once more. It should aim to be significant rather than playing it safe. The key is showing bravery instead of fear, and expressing passion instead of seeking corporate endorsement,” she emphasized.

In her letter, Alvarez expressed gratitude towards everyone who played a part in her tenure, including her “trio of cherished coworkers” – Kevin Weatherly, Lisa Worden, and Gene Sandbloom from KROQ, as well as listeners and musicians.

“Radio will always matter. In the right hands, it will always matter,” she wrote.

Alvarez also delivered a firm yet optimistic message to the execs she alleges are stifling radio: ‘There’s always room for adding human touch to the corporate story. I dare you to compete without compromising your integrity.’

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On Instagram, Alvarez expressed that she’s been eagerly anticipating starting a fresh phase, and the change in her radio responsibilities didn’t sit well with her. She assured fans that her passion for music will continue, despite her KROQ chapter coming to an end.

She expressed to her audience that she’s ready to devote every ounce of her enthusiasm and commitment for another lifetime, exploring novel and more impactful avenues for this cause.

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2025-08-21 21:31