John Kentera, one of the iconic voices of San Diego sports talk radio, has been silenced.
After 30 years in the radio industry, the last four as host of “The John Kentella Show” in the 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. slot on 97.3-FM The Fan, Kentella has He was told by his team that he was being fired.
His last day is scheduled for Friday. Kentera producer Braden Surprenant is expected to stay on.
“I was surprised. I’m very disappointed,” Kentela said. “This has been extremely difficult for me and my family.
“This is a gut punch.”
Kentera said management told him, “We want to make changes to daytime hours…We want to change to caller-driven programming.” Audacity executives Michael Valenzuela and Adam Klug did not return numerous emails and text messages seeking comment. Audacy, which runs the station, has not yet announced a replacement for Mr. Kentera.
“I was surprised when I was told I was being fired because I had been preparing like crazy and I think my show is good and well-received,” Kentela said.
Kentera, 65, known as “The Coach,” played basketball and baseball at Torrey Pines High School. He went on to play both sports at MiraCosta College and USIU.
Mr. Kentera coached several sports at Torrey Pines, MiraCosta, Southwestern University and Texas Tech University before transitioning into radio.
He began his radio career in 1987 at the old Mighty 690. He worked at Mighty 1090 from its inception in 2003 until 2015.
Kentela also worked as a general manager and baseball agent for the San Diego Sockers before returning to radio at 97.3-FM, hosting the Padres’ pregame and postgame shows, and then having his own daytime show.
Kentera has worked on San Diego State football and basketball broadcasts and as a color commentator for USD and UC San Diego basketball. For 25 years, she hosted her high school football program on Friday nights.
“My high school show really shot me to fame and kind of started my career,” Kentella said.
97.3-FM’s local lineup includes “Ben & Woods” weekdays from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. featuring Ben Higgins and Stephen Woods, and Tony Gwynn Jr. and Chris Elo from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Includes “Gwyn & Chris”.
The station also broadcasts all Padres games, Navy football, and select NFL contests.
97.3-FM has a strong Nielsen rating. This station is the highest rated sports format in San Diego, easily beating out San Diego Sports 760 and The Mighty 1090.
In November, Bullet Sports Media ranked “Gwyn & Chris” No. 1 in the age group in the 2:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. time slot with a 9.0 rating among men 25-54. It was reported that.
“Ben & Woods” received an 8.3 rating among men ages 25 to 54, ranking third in that age group in the 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. time slot.
Kentera received a 5.8 rating among men 25-54, ranking fourth in its age group during the same time period.
Kentera says he has no plans to retire.
“I’m going to look for opportunities in the sports field…both inside and outside of the radio industry,” he said. “I’m not done yet.”