Well-known voices absent from morning commute following radio layoffs
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - You may have noticed some familiar voices were missing from your morning commute after a long list of radio hosts lost their jobs.
Many were shocked by the change because it happened so suddenly and included well-known names.
Summit Media laid off more than 20 employees this week on four radio stations: Hawaiian 105, KCCN FM 100, Power 104.3, and KRATER 96 FM.
For 28 years, Shannon Scott provided laughs and aloha as a member of the Kolohe Krew on Hawaiian 105.
“I was in total shock. I wasn’t expecting that I was actually done with my show. I was on my way out the door to the elevators when I just so happened to run into someone from corporate,” said Scott.
Danielle Tucker’s voice has guided people through traffic for more than 20 years. She was blindsided by the layoffs.
“Drive with aloha, there’s so much more in that statement than just three words,” said an emotional Tucker.
Candace Kay on Power 104.3, Gregg and Shawnee Hammer on KRATER 96 and Billy V. who’s been on the airwaves since 1986 were also cut.
“This wasn’t just one station, this was four stations across the board. So, this is not just a change of personnel, this is a housecleaning,” said Billy V. who had a Saturday show on Hawaiian 105.
Several people in management, including the general manager were laid off. They say they were not given a reason.
Summit Media didn’t give us a reason either but said in a statement, it will continue the tradition of Hawaiian music and celebrating the culture.
Billy V. says that’s what listeners should also continue to support.
“If you don’t support and you get mad and not listen to the radio stations then that means you are not supporting the people who are making music here. That music contains the stories of our culture, the thoughts of our generation now and the language of our kupuna,” explained Billy V.
While it hasn’t been confirmed, insiders tell us the pandemic caused a slump in sales and advertising, thus cutting the longtime hosts was likely an easy way to save money.
Copyright 2022 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
