KCRW Hires New DJs Luxxury, John Tejada & Peanut Butter Wolf — a Week After Cutting 10% of Staff

Santa Monica’s iconic public radio station KCRW has announced the hiring of three prominent DJs—Luxxury, John Tejada, and Peanut Butter Wolf—just days after laying off 10% of its staff. The decision has sparked debate about the station’s financial strategy and future direction.

KCRW’s Staff Cuts & Financial Struggles

Last week, KCRW confirmed layoffs affecting nearly a dozen employees in production, engineering, and administrative roles. The station cited “economic pressures,” including declining listener donations and rising operational costs, as key reasons for the cuts. Longtime staffers expressed frustration, with some questioning leadership decisions on social media.

New DJs Bring Star Power—But Timing Raises Questions

Only a week after the layoffs, KCRW revealed its newest on-air talent:
– Luxxury – Disco and funk remix artist
– John Tejada – Veteran electronic music producer
– Peanut Butter Wolf – Stones Throw Records founder and hip-hop icon

Their shows, launching next month, aim to expand KCRW’s reach in electronic and underground hip-hop—genres where the station has long been influential.

Community Reactions: Excitement vs. Criticism

Fans celebrated the new additions, with one tweeting, “Peanut Butter Wolf on KCRW? This is a dream come true!” Others, however, criticized the timing. A former employee (who wished to remain anonymous) asked, “How do you justify layoffs and then hire big names? It feels like priorities are misplaced.”

KCRW’s management defended the move, calling it a “long-term investment” to attract younger listeners and boost revenue. A spokesperson stated, “These shows align with our mission to innovate while ensuring sustainability.”

Public Radio’s Broader Challenges

KCRW isn’t alone in its struggles. Many public radio stations face declining donations, podcast competition, and the shift to digital. High-profile hires are often seen as a way to stand out, but they can come at the expense of internal stability.

The station claims the new DJs’ contracts are “budget-neutral,” funded by sponsorships and grants. Still, critics question whether this addresses deeper financial issues.

What’s Next for KCRW?

With these high-profile additions, KCRW is betting on music to revitalize its brand. Will it pay off?

As one listener noted, “KCRW is still the best for music discovery—but at what cost?” The coming months will reveal whether this strategy works or highlights deeper industry challenges.