A restructuring is under way at Bermuda Broadcasting Company’s radio stations, where some of veteran personalities have been shed.

Sources close to the company have indicated that longstanding host Gina Spence has been made redundant, while host and DJ Everest DaCosta has chosen to retire.

That was confirmed yesterday afternoon by David Hills, the acting chief executive officer of the company, who said that sweeping change was ahead for the company — including a move away from talk radio.

The following statement was issued yesterday afternoon:

Bermuda Broadcasting Company Ltd today announced major changes to its radio stations, affecting programming across the board.

Station owner Chris Perry said, “Earlier this year, the new management of Bermuda Broadcasting promised listeners that we would improve content, as we redevelop our brand and tap into the talents of our people in new ways. We have spent the past several months reviewing our radio operations and looking at where to take the stations. We are now in a position to announce that with immediate effect we are changing the formats of our stations to deliver the highest quality journalism and entertainment to the community.”

The changes affect all three broadcast stations. FM89.1 is changing to become Ocean 89, which will return to its roots, offering top-40 music, including the ongoing celebration of Bermuda’s artists. Ocean 89 will also broadcast news, weather and sports. The station will no longer host interactive talk radio programmes, opting instead to feature popular radio personalities, who will conduct interviews with scheduled guests.

Mr Perry said: “We are delighted that Keevil ‘The Captain’ Burgess has agreed to host the early morning show on Ocean 89, while Felix Todd will host “The Big Chill” during midday. We will soon be in a position to announce our late afternoon drive time host. These talented, listener-focused professionals are enthusiastic about joining us and we are confident they will deliver positive, energetic programming that reflects Bermuda’s talents and unique culture.”

Power 95 will continue to offer urban music, but with local programme hosts and the inclusion of local talent to bring the station into closer touch with the community. Mr Perry said: “We are extremely fortunate to have well liked and respected radio personalities joining this station. We are very pleased that Kristy ‘Miss Thang’ Burgess will host our morning drive-time programme, while well-known DJ Radigun will be on air during the evening drive. We are still working to bring an equally lively and entertaining host to Power 95’s midday programming.”

Mr DeCosta and Ms Spence, traditional talk show hosts, will not be joining the revamped Bermuda Broadcasting radio stations. Mr Perry said: “We are grateful to both Everest and Gina for their work on air over the years. They have made a real contribution to the Bermuda community.”

He added: “While their familiar voices will be missed by loyal followers, we hope that listeners will appreciate new programming that shines a light on Bermuda’s talented artists, who are bringing positive attention to the Island. We wish Everest and Gina well and, again, we thank them for their dedicated service to the community.”

Bermuda Broadcasting will announce additional changes to both radio and television programming in the months ahead, as the company brings on board new technology and new studios through 2016. Bermuda Broadcasting is the Island’s oldest broadcasting company with a history of bringing innovative service to the community.

Mr Perry said: “Local television and radio stations are vital to the wellbeing of the community and we plan to offer a continually improving product. We are excited about the changes to our radio stations and we welcome the community’s feedback.”