Iconic San Antonio voices axed; stations tout changes

Jonny Ramirez, the former morning man at Tejano music station KXTN-FM Jonny Ramirez, the former morning man at Tejano music station KXTN-FM Photo: Courtesy Photo: Courtesy Image 1 of / 38 Caption Close Iconic San Antonio voices axed; stations tout changes 1 / 38 Back to Gallery

SAN ANTONIO — Radio icon Jonny Ramirez, morning man at Tejano music station KXTN-FM for 22 years, is history, in what's being called a mini radio bloodbath here.

Also dismissed Tuesday was another veteran team, the highly popular morning duo from R&B/Hip Hop station KBBT-FM ("The Beat" 98.5), who have been entertaining listeners for more than a decade.

On Wednesday, Univision Communications, Inc. termed the moves "strategic radio programming changes."

Fans, needless to say, are frantic.

The loudest gasps on social media followed the heave-hos Tuesday of Ramirez, veteran voice on KXTN (107.5 FM), and the popular team of Xavier Anthony Castro and Biggie Paul of "Xavier's World," KBBT's morning show of 13 years.

Ramirez had reached legend status in this city, particularly among Tejano music fans.

Both he and Xavier Anthony Castro, the signature voice on KBBT, posted their goodbyes on Facebook and Twitter.

"In the late Dandy Don Meredith's singing voice, 'Turn out the lights, the party is over'," Ramirez posted on Facebook and Twitter. "Best run of my life! Thank you mi gente, love ya forever and a moon!"

Castro – known on the air as "Xavier Da Freakin Rican" wrote this on his pages: "Just want to say I love all of you. Best listeners on the planet."

In a personal message, Castro, who has five kids, indicated he couldn't comment on details of his or other cuts, but did confirm that he was gone from KBBT as of Tuesday. "I'm unable to speak much due to contract stipulations," Castro wrote. "I am no longer employed by Univision as of yesterday."

Meanwhile, radio industry websites are buzzing with the news.

Radio Insight stated that Univision had cut back on its morning shows not only in San Antonio, but in New York.

"We've also heard a few part-timers have been let go from the San Antonio cluster," the article mentioned.

As for an official explanation of these abrupt dismissals, Monica Talan, executive vice president of corporate communications at Univision Communications, sent a press release regarding the changes, but didn't mention by name the cuts of the city's veteran voices. Paraphrased, the release reads:

Univision San Antonio today announced programming changes at KXTN 107.5FM and KBBT 98.5FM that will engage San Antonio listeners across two of the most popular music genres in the region – Tejano and Hip Hop/R&B.

KXTN welcomes the return of Tejano personality Big Boyee to the station. Big Boyee and Jammin J Javi will be on the air Monday through Friday from 6 to 10 a.m., effective immediately. They will continue playing Tejano music favorites. DJ Homie Marco will serve as programming director (replacing Ramirez, who previously held that title) at the station.

Univision's KBBT 98.5FM, No. 1 one station for Hip Hop and R&B in San Antonio, is also pleased to welcome "The Dana Cortez Show" to its airwaves beginning Nov. 9. The show will be live in San Antonio from 6 to 10 a.m. Monday through Friday.

"KXTN 107.5 FM is an iconic station within the Tejano community and we are pleased to continue that legacy. The addition of Big Boyee and Jammin J Javi reinforces our commitment to the genre and to our audience's vast appetite for Tejano music," said Chris Morris, vice president and general manager, Univision San Antonio. " 'The Dana Cortez Show,' with its signature style and energy, will be a terrific addition to San Antonio's leading Hip Hop and R&B station."

jjakle@express-news.net

Twitter: @jaklej