It Breaks My Heart

"It breaks my heart. I still don't understand it."

Jen Sewell started as an unpaid intern 11 years ago at Star 100.7. "I was with the station from day one when it started as Star 100.7." Sewell went on to become music director, assistant program director, and cohost of the Star afternoon show with Greg Simms.

She was told she was out of a job just before her afternoon shift was to start at 3 p.m. on March 31. Another DJ did her shift. Six days later KFMB-FM's Star 100.7 was "blown up" and became Jack 100.7. The Jack format, now being added to stations across the country, is known for its lack of DJs, no new music, and its genreless list that jumps from Melissa Etheridge to Def Leppard to the J. Geils Band. (Jack 100.7 promo: "We're like your iPod on shuffle.") Anita Rush, another Star 100.7 DJ, left the station for personal reasons two weeks before the arrival of Jack. The Jeff and Jer morning ensemble are now the only live personalities left on the station.

"Star had the reputation of being one of the most successful 'hot AC' [adult contemporary] stations in the country," said Sewell.

"Tracy [Johnson, KFMB general manager] told me, 'We're not renewing your contract. The station is changing its plans, and they don't include you. '"

Sewell said she is getting married in two weeks and "actively looking for a job. I'm willing to relocate."

As music director Sewell was credited for helping to break Santana's "Smooth" and Sting's "Desert Rose" as national hits. She won new Mercedes-Benzes in both 1999 and 2000 as part of a national competition for radio execs who can best predict new hits.