Jeffrey Parke to Retire From KCAL, KOLA

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, July 6, 2026 | 5:58pm CT

Jeffrey Parke

Jeffrey Parke will retire July 24 after nearly 40 years with KCAL-FM and KOLA-FM, closing a broadcasting career that helped shape two of the Inland Empire's most successful radio outlets. Parke joined KCAL-FM on January 1, 1987, as Sales Manager and was promoted to General Manager in 1989. During his tenure, he guided the growth of both KCAL-FM and KOLA-FM into leading brands in the Riverside-San Bernardino market.

One of his most notable accomplishments came in 1991 when he oversaw the acquisition and relaunch of KOLA-FM. Then an automated oldies station, KOLA was transformed under his leadership into the market's dominant station, a position it continues to hold.

Parke also played a key role in the turnaround of San Diego's KCBQ-FM after owner Tim Sullivan acquired the station. Rebranded as KBZT-FM, the station underwent a complete overhaul in format, staffing and market positioning, rising to a Top 3 ranking in both ratings and revenue before being sold to Jefferson Pilot for nearly six times its purchase price.

"My career has been blessed with extraordinary opportunities and extraordinary people," Parke said. "I consider myself incredibly lucky for the 40 years I have had here. I'll miss the business, but most of all, I will miss each and every person I worked with and still work with today."

Parke began his radio career as an air personality at KLOM in Santa Maria in 1979 before moving to KTMS-FM in Santa Barbara. He transitioned into radio sales at KARA-FM in San Jose in 1982 and later joined KMGG-FM/KPWR-FM in Los Angeles, where he first worked with broadcaster Tim Sullivan.

Parke credited Sullivan, who died in December 2024, with giving him the opportunity to lead KCAL-FM and KOLA-FM.

"I will forever be indebted to Tim Sullivan, who gave me my chance and trusted me to run the stations and make them the powerhouses they are today," Parke said. "Tim and I worked together for nearly four decades. He was my mentor and taught me all about leadership. But most of all, he was a dear friend."

Over the course of his career, Parke led the stations through major industry changes, from analog broadcasting to the digital era, while maintaining strong ties to listeners and advertisers throughout Southern California.

In retirement, Parke plans to spend more time with his wife, children and grandchildren, continue his real estate interests and travel. His final day with KCAL-FM and KOLA-FM will be July 24.