Radio history in the Inland Empire is changing. KCAL-FM 96.7, a station that has broadcast classic rock since 1965, laid off its entire on-air staff effective July 31, 2026. This move marks the end of an era for listeners who relied on familiar voices for decades.
The impacted staff includes morning host Patrick Tish, afternoon host Daryl Norsell, midday host Nikki Preston, and evening host John DeSantis. Several part-time and weekend contributors were also let go. The station is shifting to an automated, all-music format that aims to provide a consistent classic rock experience across the region.
Management at Anaheim Broadcasting Corporation stated that this pivot builds on the station’s heritage while focusing on the music that defined the classic rock genre. While company leadership views this as a strategic move to match industry trends, the sudden loss of long-tenured talent highlights a common shift toward automation in local radio. Daryl Norsell, who spent 42 years with the station, described the transition as a difficult but inevitable part of the modern media landscape.
Listeners across the Inland Empire have shared their reactions to the silence of their favorite personalities. As the station moves forward with its new, human-less format, the focus remains strictly on the music. This transition reflects broader trends in the radio industry where station owners prioritize operating costs and streamlined programming over live, personality-driven content. The legacy of these hosts is now part of the station’s history as it enters a new chapter.