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Looking for breath of fresh air, the Breeze radio station fires talent
| Friday, Aug 29 2008 5:49 PM
Last Updated: Friday, Aug 29 2008 5:49 PM
Buckley Radio let go its morning show host at KSMJ 97.7 FM The Breeze last Friday in preparation for a station makeover.
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Brent Michaels, host of Brent Michaels in the Morning, didn’t fit the station’s plans for a brighter, more upbeat tone, said Steve Darnell, vice president and general manager of Buckley Radio in Bakersfield.
Michaels, who hosted the show for more than two years, could not be reached for comment Friday.
Darnell said he was a good employee and they parted on amicable terms.
“Mornings really catapult you into the rest of the day,” he said. “We wanted something that gives a bigger boost and that’s all.”
His program will be replaced by a nationally syndicated morning show featuring several radio personalities. Debuting Sept. 8, it’ll join a more upbeat lineup of music, Darnell said.
The station will continue its adult contemporary format aimed at families and women 25 to 54, particularly moms.
“It’s a very conservative, family-oriented community,” Darnell said. “We still want to own that tradition in the market.”
John Tesh’s evening radio show was eliminated from The Breeze lineup last Friday, though the station will continue to carry his weekend show. Tesh also didn’t fit the station’s new direction, Darnell said.
He’d said he’d like to have Michaels on board again if the opportunity arises.
No other personnel changes have been made at The Breeze or the other Buckley stations in Bakersfield, KLLY 95.3 FM, KKBB 99.3 FM The Groove, and KNZR 1560 AM.