Bill Benica signs off from KYNS

March 27, 2013

San Luis Obispo County veteran radio broadcaster Bill Benica said goodbye to his listeners last Friday before leaving his keys at the front desk.

Benica, who has been on the San Luis Obispo airwaves for more than 35 years, said his abrupt departure was sparked by a contract dispute with KYNS management.

Benica’s contract with the former progressive talk radio station was set to expire at the end of April, but station manager Aaron Criswell recently decided to double the amount of money it charges Benica to host “Talk is Cheap” effective immediately. Under the terms of their original agreement, Benica owns the 18-year-old talk program and buys broadcast time from the AM station which is owned by Mapleton Communications.

“I am extremely disappointed,” Benica said. “I have enjoyed my radio show and listeners very much. I am sorry that the manager yells and insults people and has marijuana smoke coming from his office. One of the most insane things that could happen at an FCC licensed facility. There is a whole staff of radio people who do not deserve this.”

Benica started at KVEC in 1977 as an afternoon disc jockey and was promoted to program director six months later. He went on to work at American General Media before starting with Mapleton Broadcasting six years ago.

Jim Shea, the president of Mapleton Communications, did not respond to a request for comment.