A long chapter in Phoenix radio is closing. Chris “Decipha” Hernandez is departing Audacy Phoenix after nearly 19 years with the company.
What We Know: Hernandez joined then-Rhythmic CHR “101.5 Jamz” KZON as a host and mixer shortly after its 2007 launch. He later added Imaging Director duties in 2010. Following the station’s 2013 rebrand to CHR as Live 101.5 KALV-FM, he climbed steadily — reaching APD/MD in 2015 and Program Director in March 2018. By October 2020, he expanded to Operations Manager overseeing Big 94.5 KOOL-FM and Country 107.9 KMLE. Most recently, he served as Regional Brand Manager, adding Kiss 105.5 WKXJ Chattanooga to his portfolio in July 2023.
What They Said: Hernandez addressed his departure directly on social media. “This is a tough one, but tomorrow will be my last day with Audacy Radio,” he wrote. “After nearly 19 years with the company — and so many incredible years working directly with LIVE 101.5 — it’s time for me to turn over the keys.” He added, “But more than anything, I’m grateful for my wife and kids, who supported me through every early morning, late night, and crazy idea.”
What Remains Unclear: No successor has been announced for his programming or brand management responsibilities. It’s also unclear whether his multi-market oversight role will be consolidated or redistributed. Audacy has not publicly addressed the transition or any structural changes to the Phoenix cluster.
What It Means: Hernandez built one of the longer tenures in modern Audacy radio. His exit leaves a significant void across multiple markets. Additionally, his departure reflects broader industry uncertainty as Audacy continues navigating its financial restructuring. Phoenix radio will look considerably different without his fingerprints on it.
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David Hill serves as a Music Radio Editor, Columnist and Features writer for Barrett Media. A radio lifer with more than 30 years behind the mic, in the control room, and in the program director’s chair, David’s career spans influential stops at brands such as WIYY 98 Rock, WBAL-AM, and 99X. He has worked across multiple formats and ownership groups, including iHeartMedia and Cumulus Media, developing talent, breaking music, and navigating every major industry shift from diary to PPM and terrestrial dominance to streaming disruption. When he’s not writing or analyzing the industry, Dave runs The Tune Farm, a marketing firm built to help artists and brands grow audience the same way great radio always has—by creating connection, not just impressions. He can be reached at David@BarrettMedia.com.
