Voted the best radio personality in Vegas in the most recent Las Vegas Weekly Readers’ Choice poll, Area 108’s Gonzo in the Morning (along with his faithful sidekick Nicole) has parted ways with the station effective immediately; his last show aired on June 29. The station’s new program director, Duncan Payton, will take over as the morning-show host after an interim period of just music in the mornings. “Sadly, the original band of merry nutjobs that created the original Area 108 are now gone, and to appropriately honor the spirit of the original, it’s time for Nicole and I to go,” said Gonzo in an e-mail.
“There’s nothing negative from us about Gonzo and Nicole,” said Area 108 Vice President and General Manager Dave Presher. “It’s more about the opportunity to hire Duncan. The best candidate you could hire for the position, on paper it would be him.”
During his last stint in Vegas, Payton was operations manager and program director, as well as an on-air personality, at Mix 94.1-FM. He also worked at Lite 100.5-FM (now Jack FM). Most recently, Payton was in San Diego at their Star 94.1-FM. Asked whether Payton’s hiring indicated a forthcoming change in format for the station, Presher said no. “We just did a huge research study and looked at all the different possibilities, and we’re going to stay the same.” The station should also be receiving a signal upgrade “shortly,” as soon as approval comes in from the FCC.
As for Gonzo and Nicole, they are actively seeking new opportunities in town. “Both of us would be thrilled to stay out here in the desert,” Gonzo said. “I’m fully convinced that this will be my final resting place.”