KBIG cuts Tuna loose in switch

Longtime L.A. DJ Charlie Tuna bid listeners farewell as KBIG-FM (104.3) modified its format Monday, shifting and expanding its musical playlist in hopes of broadening its appeal among women in the 25-to-49 age range who, as Clear Channel executive Greg Ashlock put it, “have graduated from KIIS but are not ready for KOST yet.”

The station will operate without on-air personalities this week but expects to introduce a “decidedly different” lineup next week, Ashlock said, although Tuna was the only DJ he would confirm as leaving. Tuna (real name: Art Ferguson), who has bounced around local stations for 40 years, had been morning host there for the last seven.

The station began calling itself “104.3 MY fm” and is playing a mix of contemporary adult hits by artists such as Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake, Kelly Clarkson, John Mayer, Shakira, Bon Jovi and Christina Aguilera.

In a posting on his website, Tuna said he was keeping his office because Clear Channel wants to talk to him about other job options.

-- Lee Margulies