After President Trump eradicated federal funding for public media, beloved SoCal radio station KCRW-FM (89.9) has laid off 10% of its employees, together with a number of common DJs.
The employees cuts included well-known hosts Jeremy Sole, Jason Kramer and José Galván, whose deep and rangy tastes broke numerous native and world artists to wider acclaim.
“Like so many other public media organizations, KCRW is restructuring parts of the organization in response to our new budget reality,” KCRW’s president, Jennifer Ferro, wrote in a memo saying the cuts. “The result of this restructuring is a 10% reduction in our staff. These decisions were made after careful consideration of how best to position us against the twin challenges of needing to adapt to how people consume media today as well as the loss of federal dollars.”
The memo didn’t identify Sole, Kramer and Galván, however every confirmed their departures in mournful and, at instances, crucial notes on social media.
“For the past 14 years, I have contributed my musical taste and unique perspective to KCRW,” Galván wrote. “Growing up in LA, it was a dream come true to be a part of the elite DJs of KCRW. Sadly as of this morning, I am no longer living that dream. I was let go, along with some other staples of the station. Throughout my time at KCRW, it was never lost on me that it was a privilege and a pleasure to be able to share music and artists with the world week after week. Radio is my passion, and there will be other opportunities for me to share my taste at better run institutions…Stick a fork in me, I’m done at 89.9 FM.”
Sole mentioned that “It’s with a heavy heart that I say this, but for the past 18 and a half years I’ve been most honored and grateful to share time and music with you every week on KCRW. Unfortunately that time has come to an end, as of today. It’s been the highest honor of my life (so far!) to serenade you and hopefully to provide some semblance of soulful depth and some appreciation for the music of every culture on the planet.”
Kramer, a 27-year veteran of the station, mentioned that “I have unfortunately been let go from KCRW. Along with some other of the best DJs in the world. The station will always have a place in my heart, and every artist that I play I will still be there in another way.”
The cuts are the most recent contraction for the music-heavy station in a tough public media setting. Final 12 months, KCRW confronted a $3-million finances deficit and provided voluntary buyouts. “Morning Becomes Eclectic” co-host Anthony Valadez and “All Things Considered” host Janaya Williams left the station. This system “Greater LA” was additionally canceled. In 2020, the station laid off almost 1 / 4 of its employees amid the fiscal challenges of the pandemic.
Different retailers like KUSC-FM (91.5), Los Angeles’ premier classical music station, additionally confronted vital cuts after the tip of federal funding.
“While this moment is challenging, we believe these changes are necessary to ensure KCRW is positioned for the long term,” Ferro wrote in her memo to employees. “No matter what, we will stay true to the essence of KCRW — playing a vital role strengthening community, connection, and being courageous and inspirational in light of the issues we all face in Southern California.”
