Hot 97 has announced new hosts for its morning show slot, revealing that Ronndell Smith, Lana Harris, and Million will take over. This comes after the cancellation of the long-running program, Ebro In The Morning. The announcement sparked significant backlash, as many believed the trio would replace the previous hosts, including Ebro Darden, Peter Rosenberg, and Laura Stylez.
The confusion arose from a social media post on Hot 97’s Instagram, which read, “The NEW HOT 97 Hosts!” Following this, notable figures like rapper and podcaster Joe Budden and Hot 97 DJ Funk Flex expressed their discontent. Budden humorously stated on his Instagram Story, “Not even doing this with them today lol,” while Flex responded with laughing emojis beneath the announcement.
Despite the negative reception, the new hosts clarified that their roles will not be based in New York. Instead, they will be part of a daily live national TV show based in Atlanta. This detail was overlooked by many critics who had assumed they were stepping into the shoes of the departed morning team.
New Hosts Face Backlash and Support
Smith, an actor and comedian, Harris, a veteran news industry professional, and Million, a seasoned interviewer and content creator, have received mixed reactions from the public. While many criticized their selection, others defended them, suggesting that the trio deserves a chance to prove themselves. One supporter pointed out, “They actually sound like a morning radio show crew. People hated The Breakfast Club at first too.”
The new hosts have maintained a lighthearted approach, responding playfully to some of the harsh comments directed at them. As they prepare for their new roles, they are set to begin broadcasting in January 2024.
The former Ebro In The Morning team has not publicly commented on the backlash surrounding their cancellation. However, Ebro has been vocal about the reasons behind the show’s termination. He suggested that corporate interests might have influenced the decision, stating, “They need my sh*t-talking, anti-Netanyahu, anti-government, progressive sh*t out the way.”
This shift at Hot 97 reflects broader trends within the radio industry, where traditional formats are grappling with changing audience preferences and corporate pressures. The response to the new hosts may foreshadow the challenges they will face as they attempt to carve out their own identity in the competitive landscape of morning radio.
The uncertainty surrounding the future of Hot 97’s programming continues to generate discussion among fans and critics alike. With the new hosts gearing up for their debut, the radio station’s ability to adapt and thrive will be closely watched in the coming months.
