Hot 97 unveils new hosts following the unexpected firing of Ebro Darden from its morning show. But New York audiences aren’t exactly welcoming the change.
In a major shakeup to the New York radio landscape, Hot 97 has introduced a new set of on-air personalities following the abrupt firing of longtime morning host Ebro Darden. The change comes as part of a broader shift in the radio industry, which is facing increasing pressure from streaming platforms, podcasts, and AI-generated programming.
What Happened to Ebro?
Ebro Darden, who served as one of the central voices of Hot 97’s Morning Show for over a decade, was reportedly let go without any public explanation from the station. Insiders suggest budget cuts, format changes, and a move toward a more streamlined broadcast model may be behind the decision.
The news sparked backlash from longtime listeners who viewed Ebro as a cultural mainstay of New York radio. Some took to social media to express disappointment, while others questioned the future of morning radio as a whole.
The New Faces at Hot 97
Hot 97 has now rolled out a revamped morning lineup featuring new, younger talent, some of whom come from podcasting and digital media backgrounds. But early reviews are mixed.
Many New Yorkers feel the new hosts lack the authenticity, street awareness, and connection to hip hop culture that Ebro and his co-hosts brought to the table. Online forums and comment sections are flooded with reactions ranging from curiosity to outright rejection.
“They sound like they’re reading off scripts,” one user commented.
“This ain’t the Hot 97 I grew up on,” another posted.
Industry Shift: Is Morning Radio Dying?
The shakeup isn’t limited to Hot 97. Ed Lover, Monie Love, and other iconic radio voices have recently been let go across stations, fueling speculation that AI-generated segments, streaming content, and podcast domination are making traditional morning radio obsolete.
With advertisers preferring short-form viral clips and listeners tuning into Apple Music, Spotify, or YouTube during commutes, the need for live morning radio hosts may be diminishing.
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