Mike Z departs KCAL-FM following its Classic Rock flip. His Hard Rock show lands at Heftel Broadcasting’s KNAC cluster.
What We Know Barstow-based KNAC and sister stations KHDR and KHYZ-HD3 now carry Mike Z’s weekly “Wired” show. The Hard Rock and Heavy Metal program premiered Thursday at 12-2pm on KNAC, with Saturday 8-10pm repeats. Meanwhile, Mike Z anchored KCAL-FM Redlands for 22 years before the station flipped to jockless Classic Rock this month. He previously worked at KCXX San Bernardino, KLLY and KRAB Bakersfield, plus promotions roles at KCBS-FM and KLYY Los Angeles.
What They Said “What an honor it is for me to add those legendary call letters to my resume,” Mike Z shared, noting he purchased his first KNAC t-shirt at La Casa De Candles in Puente Hills Mall. “I never thought I would one day be on air there,” he added. KNAC Program Director Gonzo Greg expressed enthusiasm: “We are so stoked to have Mike Z bring ‘Wired’ to Pure Rock KNAC. As the premiere hard rock and heavy metal show in the Inland Empire, we’re excited to share the noise with High Desert neighbors.”
What Remains Unclear The format flip’s impact on other KCAL air talent hasn’t surfaced publicly yet. Furthermore, details about “Wired’s” performance across KNAC’s expanded footprint remain unknown. So far, no announcement indicates whether other KCAL personalities will pursue new opportunities.
What It Means Regional market format flips continue reshaping the talent landscape. Additionally, syndication and jockless formats create openings in niche programming. Ultimately, community figures like Mike Z find homes where personality-driven rock radio survives.
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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.