SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. (VVNG.com) — KCAL 96.7 has released its entire on-air staff as the Inland Empire classic rock station transitions to an automated, personality-free music format.
The station announced the change Friday, July 31, 2026, in a graphic posted to social media that read:
“96.7 KCAL Rocks is turning the page today. Thank you to every listener who made the last chapter what it was. THE NEXT CHAPTER STARTS NOW. Classic rock. Nothing but music. All day across the Inland Empire.”
Several longtime radio personalities confirmed they were among those laid off. Morning host John DeSantis shared the news in a Facebook post.
“Well, it’s finally our turn. This morning the ownership of KCAL released the entire air staff. Yes, all of us. They will be moving to an automated, human-less format. To say this is shocking is an understatement.”
DeSantis thanked listeners for their support, writing, “I just want to thank all of you for letting me be part of the KCAL family. It has been a radio dream come true. You will always rock.”
Afternoon host Daryl, who said he spent 42 years with the station, including the last 36 years hosting afternoons, also confirmed the layoffs.
“Yeah, it’s true. The entire KCAL air staff was let go today. Patrick in the Morning, Nikki Preston, John DeSantis, and myself. Plus our awesome weekend crew.”
Reflecting on more than four decades at the station, Daryl said he was grateful for the opportunity to spend his career connecting with listeners.
“My four hours in the studio was always my favorite part of my day. My escape from whatever else was going on to be with my friends.”
He also thanked the Inland Empire audience for their loyalty over the years.
“We’ve been through triumphs and tragedies, marriages and divorces, births and deaths, and always the sense of community and the ability to find the joy and laughter in it all helped make all of it more meaningful.”
Daryl said he plans to take time away before deciding what comes next.
“I’m going to unplug from everything and disappear with my awesome wife, Kori, for a while to decompress and then dive into whatever adventure the next chapter is going to bring. I’ll be ready for it.”
He concluded his message by thanking everyone who was part of his career, adding, “Cheers. And YOU ROCK!”
The station’s announcement indicates KCAL 96.7 will now feature an automated classic rock format consisting of music without live on-air personalities.
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