Major shake-up at KLOS-FM: Kevin & Sluggo Show canceled
A sudden end to an era
The Kevin & Sluggo Show was conspicuously absent from the airwaves of Los Angeles’ KLOS-FM this past Friday. Hosts Kevin Ryder and Doug “Sluggo” Roberts were unexpectedly let go, marking a significant shift in the station’s programming. This decision is part of a broader wave of cuts by Meruelo Media, which owns several local radio stations, including KPWR-FM “Power 106,” KDAY-FM, and KLLI-FM “Cali 93.9.”
A pattern of cuts
Earlier this year, Meruelo Media had already made substantial reductions across its L.A. stations. This included the elimination of all midday hosts, part-time staff, and off-air personnel. Among those affected was Marci Wiser, a midday jock at KLOS since 2015. In February, Power 106’s afternoon host DJ Felli Fel, who had been with the station since 2000, was also let go.
The unexpected announcement
Kevin Ryder took to social media to break the news of his and Roberts’ departure. Ironically, this came on the same day KLOS launched a “Where’s Kevin?” marketing campaign with Honda, only to let him go shortly after. This abrupt move has left many fans and industry insiders puzzled.
Speculations and future prospects
Rumors have been circulating that Meruelo Media might be looking to sell its radio stations. This speculation gained traction after the company sold its ownership of the Arizona Coyotes hockey team and its L.A. TV station KWHY-TV (Channel 22) to the Church of Scientology. Ryder expressed hope that KLOS would be sold to someone who genuinely cares about the station’s legacy.
A brief history of Kevin & Sluggo
Ryder and Roberts launched the Kevin & Sluggo Show on KLOS in 2021, following Ryder’s departure from KROQ. The show was a reunion of sorts, as both had long histories with KROQ. Ryder’s previous show, “Kevin in the Morning with Allie & Jensen,” was abruptly canceled by KROQ owner Entercom in 2020. Before teaming up with Ryder, Roberts had been hosting solo on KLOS since 2019 and continues to host shows on SiriusXM.
The legacy of Kevin & Bean
The pairing of Ryder and Roberts was a nostalgic nod to their time at KROQ, where Ryder and Gene “Bean” Baxter had dominated the morning airwaves since 1990. Their show, “Kevin & Bean,” was a staple in the L.A. market, reaching the No. 1 spot during parts of the 2000s. The duo’s contributions to radio were recognized with inductions into both the NAB Hall of Fame and the Radio Hall of Fame.
A long-standing partnership
Ryder and Roberts’ professional relationship dates back to the 1980s when they worked together at Phoenix’s top 40 station KZZP. At KZZP, Roberts managed the board while Ryder and Baxter hosted the “Saturday Night Party Patrol.” Their chemistry and shared history made the Kevin & Sluggo Show a compelling listen for fans of their earlier work.
Meruelo Media’s commitment to live and local content
When Ryder was hired, Meruelo Media President and CEO Otto Padron emphasized the company’s dedication to live and local programming. “We’re doubling down on ‘live and local’ with one of the very best in our craft,” Padron said at the time. “Bringing Kevin Ryder on board was a no-brainer, as this is the type of bold and disruptive move that delivers compelling voices and relevant content to our very deserving listeners.”
Personal reflections
As a long-time listener and occasional guest on the Kevin & Sluggo Show, this news hits close to home. The show was a unique blend of humor, music, and insightful commentary that resonated with a broad audience. The sudden cancellation leaves a void in the L.A. radio landscape that will be hard to fill.
For those who want to reminisce or discover what made the Kevin & Sluggo Show special, you can find clips and highlights on various streaming platforms. While the future of KLOS remains uncertain, the legacy of Kevin Ryder and Doug “Sluggo” Roberts will undoubtedly endure in the annals of radio history.
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