Giving new meaning to “Funky Friday,” KMEL listeners are adjusting to life without DJ Chuy Gomez on air after he lost his job with the station yesterday.
Gomez, who worked at KMEL for 20 years, is arguably the station’s most recognizable personality and a Bay Area icon for local hip-hop fans that grew up listening to him in the mornings. He also hosts the popular afternoon music video show California Music Channel, one of the few outlets for local artists to share their videos before the Internet.
Gomez posted this brief message on Twitter early this morning:
Thank you for letting me be a part of your LIFE thru KMEL for 20 years… On to the NEXT!!… http://t.co/5hdq9GS03C
— el CHULO del Radio! (@ChuyGomez) August 16, 2013
Radio industry website AllAccess.com reported that afternoon DJ Sana G. will move to the morning slot with co-hosts Miss Kimmie and Lady Ray starting August 19, Big Von will move to afternoons and Shay Diddy will take over as the weekday evening DJ on KMEL.
“Sana has a huge following and proven track record as an entertainment personality,” said VP/Programming and KMEL Program Director Don Parker to AllAccess.com. “We are all very excited about her move to mornings.”
Gomez’s fans, on the other hand, are not so excited and let it be known on Twitter:
I’m not happy about this! Popular Bay Area DJ @chuygomez loses job with @106KMEL | http://t.co/qhDZeMmP7p – … http://t.co/In2SxuVK9N
— E-40 (@E40) August 16, 2013
@ChuyGomez We support you, papi! Whatever you do. Thanks for all of the great years of laughs and great music. Keep pushin’.
— Cutso of The Bangerz (@cutso) August 16, 2013
I'm sorry but KMEL won't be the same without Chuy Gomez on the radio. He's a legend. Not a fan of the move.
— Sal Castaneda (@sal_castaneda) August 16, 2013
Been in Radio ovr 17yrs, trust me whn I say its almost impossible 2hold down AM Drive like @ChuyGomez did. Ridin w ya whrever tht may b OG.
— Damon Knight (@dknighthot923) August 16, 2013
