It was a swift and brutal end to one of the longest-running FM radio morning shows in the country. Los Angeles’ KROQ dropped the axe on the entire Kevin in the Morning on-air staff—including Kevin Ryder, one half of the duo Kevin & Bean, of which the program was a spin-off—yesterday.
Kevin & Bean’s morning show debuted at the end of 1989, and was the source of radio comedy and outrageous on-air stunts for decades. The show officially ended in 2019 with the departure of Gene “Bean” Baxter, with Ryder and crew (Allie Mac Kay and Jensen Karp) carrying the torch.
Ryder shared the bad news on social media this morning, announcing that not only was the whole staff fired, but that he’d been formally escorted from the building by security.
Hey party people! Not sure how to say this, so here it is:
Yesterday, @kroq called every one of us on the morning show and told us we were fired.
Me.@alliemackay @JensenKarp @kroqkom @kroqbeermug, @Old_Man_Ruben and @destinymlopez (cont..)— Kevin Ryder (@thekevinryder) March 18, 2020
Response to the move from fans was swift, with many jumping into the thread to show support. “Kevin & Bean” alumni, including Jimmy Kimmel, also took to social media on behalf of Ryder and co. Ryder’s former partner chimed in his condolences as well, adding that the way the show ended was disrespectful and calling out parent company Entercom for what he described as an “emotionless” response.
For their part, KROQ allowed Ryder to go on air this morning to talk directly to listeners before handing over the show to afternoon DJ Ted Stryker, who takes over Ryder’s hours starting tomorrow. Ryder doesn’t mince words in his final farewell. Listen to it below, courtesy of long-time “Kevin & Bean” show producer, Jay “Lightning” Tilles.
