KCRW cuts

Photo Credit: KCRW

Santa Monica College’s public news/talk radio station, 89.9 KCRW, cut 10% of its staff this week ahead of funding cuts.

With further budget cuts looming following the Trump administration’s nixing of federal funding for public media, Santa Monica College’s public news/talk radio station 89.9 KCRW has cut an additional 10% of its staff. Those affected include long-time DJs Jason Kramer, Jeremy Sole, and José Galván.

KCRW president Jennifer Ferro broke the news in a letter to the station’s supporters and subscribers over the weekend.

“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,” Ferro wrote. “While this moment is challenging, we believe these changes are necessary to ensure KCRW is positioned for the long term.”

Though Ferro’s memo did not mention outgoing staff by name, Kramer, Sole, and Galván all confirmed their exits on social media.

“After 27 years, I have unfortunately been let go from KCRW, along with some other of the best DJs in the world,” wrote Kramer. “The station will always have a place in my heart, and every artist that I play, I will still be there in another way.”

“For the past 14 years, I have contributed my musical taste and unique perspective to KCRW,” wrote Galván. “Sadly, as of this morning, I am no longer living that dream. I was let go, along with some other staples of the station.”

Sole wrote: “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.”

A Santa Monica College-owned NPR station, KCRW has gone through several rounds of cuts over the last few years. The station offered voluntary buyout packages last year in the face of a $3 million budget deficit, which saw the departure of “Morning Becomes Eclectic” co-host Anthony Valadez and “All Things Considered” host Janaya Williams. The program “Greater LA” was also cancelled.

Then in 2020, KCRW cut 20% of its staff—approximately 24 people—in the wake of the global pandemic.