Is Ronnie Kaye Fired From Koma? What Did Ronnie Kaye Say to Get Fired? Who is Ronnie Kaye?
by Jayasree D | Updated Oct 16, 2023
Is Ronnie Kaye Fired From Koma?
Yes, Ronnie Kaye was fired from KOMA-92.5 radio station. His termination followed comments he made on air, specifically regarding Indigenous Peoples' Day, which occurred on October 9. Ronnie Kaye confirmed his firing on Facebook, although he did not specify the exact nature of his comments during the broadcast. He mentioned Columbus Day and expressed uncertainty about Indigenous Peoples' Day, but he insisted that he did not intend to offend anyone.
The situation escalated while he was on vacation, and he was ultimately let go by the station, with management not offering him the opportunity to apologize on air. Ronnie Kaye, a prominent figure in Oklahoma radio for over 60 years, remains a beloved figure among his fans and supporters, despite this unexpected development in his career.
What Did Ronnie Kaye Say to Get Fired?
Ronnie Kaye was fired from his radio hosting job at KOMA 92.5 due to a controversial statement he made on air. On October 9, which happened to be Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples' Day in the United States, he said, "I don't know what 'indigenous' means and I don't care." This comment created significant controversy and led to his dismissal within less than a week by KOMA 92.5.
Ronnie Kaye's comment on Indigenous Peoples' Day was deemed offensive, and it sparked outrage. Despite his attempt to explain that he had no intention of offending Native American heritage and that some of his best friends were Native American, KOMA 92.5 decided to terminate his contract. He expressed a desire to apologize on air, but this opportunity was denied, and he was sent on a planned vacation only to be informed that his relationship with the station was terminated while he was away. The decision to fire him was based on a single complaint received by the station, although Ronnie Kaye was unaware of who made the complaint.
On October 14, Ronnie Kaye confirmed his termination via a Facebook post, where he apologized for any unintentional harm caused, especially to the Native American community. KOMA 92.5 has not issued any official comment on the matter. This incident highlighted the importance of sensitivity and awareness regarding cultural celebrations and their significance, and how comments can have consequences in the world of broadcasting.
Who is Ronnie Kaye?
Ronnie Kaye is a well-known figure in the world of Oklahoma radio and broadcasting. With a career spanning more than 60 years, he has made a significant impact on the industry. Ronnie Kaye began his radio journey at a young age, doing play-by-play for a county basketball tournament while still in high school in Blytheville, Arkansas. He later worked in various locations, including Arkansas and Lawton, before embarking on a remarkable 19-year run on WKY in Oklahoma City.
In addition to his radio career, Ronnie Kaye hosted a popular dance show called "The Scene" from 1966 to 1974, inspired by Dick Clark's "American Bandstand." This show gained popularity and was even syndicated, reaching audiences in places like San Diego and San Francisco. Over the years, Kaye had the opportunity to feature notable music artists on his show, including Ray Charles, Harry Chapin, Jerry Lee Lewis, Mitch Ryder, Bobby Hart, Neil Diamond, The Temptations, and Smokey Robinson. After a brief hiatus from radio in the 1980s to work in television, he returned to radio in 1991 when he joined KOMA, where his career took an unexpected turn with his recent firing. Despite this setback, Kaye remains a beloved figure among his fans and supporters, admired for his long and influential career in broadcasting.
How Old is Ronnie Kaye?
Ronnie Kaye, the well-known Oklahoma radio icon, is currently 84 years old. Born in 1939, he has had a long and distinguished career in radio and broadcasting, spanning over six decades.
His age reflects the wisdom and experience he has gained over the years, contributing to his significant presence in the industry and his status as a respected figure among his listeners and peers.
Ronnie Kaye Career
Ronnie Kaye's career has been marked by a remarkable journey in the world of radio and broadcasting. With a career spanning over six decades, he has left a lasting impact on the industry. His radio career began while he was still in high school in Blytheville, Arkansas, where he did play-by-play commentary for a county basketball tournament. Afterward, he worked in various locations, including Arkansas and Lawton, Oklahoma.
One of the defining moments in Ronnie Kaye's career was his 19-year run on WKY in Oklahoma City. During this time, he hosted a popular dance show called "The Scene," which was influenced by Dick Clark's "American Bandstand." The show became widely syndicated and reached audiences in places like San Diego and San Francisco. "The Scene" featured notable music artists, including Ray Charles, Harry Chapin, Jerry Lee Lewis, Mitch Ryder, Bobby Hart, Neil Diamond, The Temptations, and Smokey Robinson. While he took a brief hiatus from radio to work at TV station KOKH in the 1980s, he later returned to radio in 1991 when he joined KOMA, where he continued to make his mark until his recent termination. Ronnie Kaye's career is characterized by his passion for radio and his lasting contributions to the world of broadcasting.
Is Ronnie Kaye Fired From Koma-FAQs
Ronnie Kaye was fired from KOMA 92.5 for saying, "I don't know what 'indigenous' means and I don't care" on air during a broadcast on October 9, which was both Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples' Day.
Ronnie Kaye's comment on Indigenous Peoples' Day was deemed offensive and led to his termination by KOMA 92.5. Despite his attempt to clarify his intentions, the station decided to let him go.
Ronnie Kaye is a prominent figure in Oklahoma radio with a career spanning over 60 years. He began in high school, went on to have a 19-year run on WKY, hosted a popular dance show called "The Scene," and continued his career at KOMA until his recent firing.
Ronnie Kaye is currently 84 years old, reflecting his long and influential career in the world of radio and broadcasting.
Yes, Ronnie Kaye posted an apology on his Facebook page after his termination, expressing regret for any unintentional harm caused, especially to the Native American community, but his offer to apologize on air was denied.