Full Breakdown
Shawn Tempesta Departs from 96.3 KKLZ in Las Vegas
2/18/2026, 11:43:14 AM
Core Event: Departure Announcement
Shawn Tempesta has exited from Beasley Media Group's 96.3 KKLZ in Las Vegas, just months after joining the station's morning lineup. Tempesta confirmed his departure via social media, stating that his time at KKLZ had “come to an early and unfortunate end” as of Friday. His exit follows a brief tenure that began in November when he transitioned from co-hosting the Aimee + Shawn show on 102.7 KVGS.
Background & Context: Career Overview
Tempesta's career in Las Vegas media spans over a decade, during which he has held various roles. He was notably involved in the launch of 102.7 VGS, where he helped elevate the station from 20th to 1st place in morning ratings within a year. His previous experience includes working as the afternoon host and Assistant Program Director at Audacy's KMXB (Mix 94.1) and co-hosting The Morning Blend on KTNV-13, for which he received an Emmy nomination.
Official Statements & Responses
In his statement regarding his departure, Tempesta reflected on his three-and-a-half years with Beasley Media Group, highlighting his contributions to the launch of 102.7 VGS, the successful transition at KKLZ after the departure of longtime host Mike O’Brian, and the creation of digital video systems across multiple stations. He expressed gratitude to listeners for their support, stating, “Your feedback about my joining the show legitimately blew me away and my family and I are forever indebted to your love and support.” Tempesta concluded by affirming his commitment to radio, saying, “You’ll be hard-pressed to find someone that believes in radio more, and my time is not done.”
Criticism & Opposition
While there has been no public criticism regarding Tempesta's departure, the abrupt nature of his exit may raise questions among fans and industry observers about the stability of programming decisions at Beasley Media Group. The lack of immediate plans for the morning slot at KKLZ following his departure could also indicate potential challenges for the station in maintaining listener engagement.
What's Next: Future Prospects
As Tempesta enters the free agent market, he has expressed optimism about future opportunities in radio. His extensive experience and proven track record in the industry position him well for new roles, whether in Las Vegas or beyond.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Throughout the last three and a half years with the company, I helped launch 102.7 VGS and took it from 20th to 1st in mornings in less than a year, helped KKLZ successfully transition after the departure of the legendary Mike O’Brian, created thousands of social media videos, and designed and implemented digital video systems for several stations throughout the company — including 98.5 The Sports Hub in Boston — that continue to generate tens of millions of views and bring in significant new-found revenue. Here’s to what’s next!” — Shawn Tempesta
- “To the listeners: THANK YOU for being so willing to accept me into your morning ritual,” — Shawn Tempesta
Tempesta's departure marks a significant change for KKLZ, and the radio community will be watching closely to see where his career leads next.
