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Barry Jantz

Breaking: Chris Reed ends his KOGO run tonight — Roger Hedgecock too?

Cross-posted to SD Rostra

Readers may want to listen to KOGO-AM 600 today at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. for some announcements.

Tonight’s 6-8 p.m. Top Story on KOGO will be the final broadcast for Chris Reed.

I couldn’t reach him for comment, although I’m pretty sure Reed wouldn’t be inclined to say anything. I also have a message in to KOGO management for a direct confirmation. In the meantime, I’ve verified the news through credible sources.

The news comes following a report this week that Roger Hedgecock is also departing KOGO after about 25 years, as well as a Clear Channel job posting seeking a new KOGO talk show host.

Given Reed’s conservative-libertarian flair, some in San Diego will no doubt try to incorrectly paint the departure — and that of Hedgecock — in a political light. Insiders say, however, the changes are part of management’s move towards lighter news-talk in an attempt to improve ratings amidst the station’s aging demographics.

Some sources say that today will be Hedgecock’s last broadcast at KOGO as well. Since his show is nationally syndicated, but broadcast from KOGO, that may mean a change of studios for him on Monday. His former producer, Jimmy Valentine, says Roger is going to KFMB-AM 760.

Ironically for Reed, he recently won third place in San Diego Press Club honors for best interview/talk show, behind two specialty shows also on KOGO. This was the best showing of any daily local hard news show.

The reality of volatile radio markets aside, the end of Reed’s show leaves a big hole for the politically inclined during the weekday evening drive-time.

Best wishes to Chris.