KCRW, the influential Santa Monica-based public radio station, has eliminated several long-standing DJ positions in a sweeping round of layoffs, cutting 10% of its staff in response to federal funding reductions for public media.
The cuts, which have sent ripples through Southern California’s music community, come as a direct result of the Trump administration‘s decision to eliminate federal support for public broadcasting, creating substantial budget shortfalls for stations nationwide.
Among the casualties are several veteran music personalities who helped shape the station’s distinctive sound over decades.
Jason Kramer, who spent 27 years at KCRW hosting popular shows like The Lab and Future Breaks, has departed alongside Jeremy Sole, an 18-year veteran known for his Summer of Soul sessions.
José Galván, host of Nights on Air for 14 years, also exited the station, marking the end of an era for KCRW’s musical programming.
The layoffs extend beyond the music department, affecting other programming as well.
Elvis Mitchell’s long-running interview program “The Treatment” will no longer exist as a standalone show but will be integrated into “Weekend Edition,” representing the consolidation strategy KCRW is employing to survive with reduced resources.
For affected DJs, this transition may necessitate exploring alternative income streams through music licensing, teaching, or digital content creation to maintain their careers in the industry.
In their public statements, the departing DJs expressed mixed emotions about their exits.
While Kramer and Sole shared gratitude for their time at the station, Galván offered a more pointed critique of the current state of the institution, though he emphasized his enduring passion for radio.
KCRW President Jennifer Ferro communicated these difficult decisions in a letter to subscribers, explaining the changes as necessary for the station’s long-term stability.
KCRW management has confirmed that despite these significant changes, core programs like Morning Becomes Eclectic will continue, though with adjusted formats and schedules.
These layoffs follow previous workforce reductions where KCRW laid off almost 25% of staff during pandemic-related financial difficulties.
The station is actively restructuring to adapt not only to funding cuts but also to evolving media consumption habits among listeners.
Some affected DJs may find new opportunities by leveraging streaming platforms to distribute their unique music curation and maintain connections with their established audiences.
These changes at KCRW reflect broader challenges facing public media throughout the United States, with stations nationwide grappling with similar financial pressures and operational restructuring.
As federal support diminishes, public radio stations increasingly depend on listener donations and local support, raising questions about the sustainability of public broadcasting‘s traditional funding model in a rapidly changing media landscape.
