After 14 years as a community ‘hero’ and ‘legend,’ DJ let go by Boise radio station
A well-known local radio personality is gone from the Boise airwaves after nearly 15 years.
Mix 106 afternoon host Steve Kicklighter — known to listeners as Kekeluv — is no longer with the station.
“I gave you my all,” he wrote Tuesday on Instagram. “Unfortunately, that wasn’t enough for the out of town (management) team. I was just let go.”
Kicklighter, who grew up in Houston, hosted mornings and afternoons for 13 years in Boise at 103.5 Kiss FM before shifting to afternoons on Mix 106 in 2020. Kiss is a Top 40 station. Mix has a Hot AC (adult contemporary) format. Both stations are owned by New York-based Townsquare Media Group.
During his time in the Treasure Valley, Kekeluv (sometimes spelled Keke Luv) has become known as an advocate for preventing child abuse and domestic violence. He performed high-profile awareness campaigns such as the annual “Live for 175” — where he vowed not to sleep for an entire week — and ran marathons for seven consecutive days on the streets of Boise.
This spring, Kicklighter sat in all 35,700 seats at Albertsons Stadium as part of a Rise Up Against Child Abuse promotion. Mix 106 called him a “Treasure Valley legend” on its website.
Because of his dedication to the community, his fans weren’t just radio listeners. They included fellow media members.
“You’re my hero,” Maggie O’Mara, morning anchor on KTVB Channel 7, replied Tuesday to Kicklighter’s post on Instagram.
“Keke, you are the best DJ in this valley!” declared another commenter. “You have the purest heart, the purest soul.”
Kicklighter hinted that his work might not be done — “more coming soon,” he promised — but provided no specifics.
“Thank you, Idaho,” he wrote. “You’re special and I truly have a bond with you. I met my wife in Albertsons and we had three amazing children at Saint Alphonsus. I’m obsessed with you. I’m not exactly sure how to act so my apologies. All I ask is this: FOLLOW ME wherever I go. This chip on my shoulder is getting bigger and I promise, I got you!”
Chris Pickett, director of content for Townsquare Media Boise, called Kicklighter’s service to the community “second to none.”
“We thank Keke for all that he has done for the Treasure Valley over the past 14 years and wish him the best,” Pickett said in an email to the Idaho Statesman.
“For years, Mix 106 has been part of the heart and soul of the Boise community,” Pickett added, “and we are searching for a great local personality that can help us continue that tradition and commitment.”
Mix 106 struggled in the most recent Nielsen Audio ratings. The station drew a 2.0 share among weekday listeners 12 and older between 6 a.m. and midnight.
This story was originally published September 1, 2021 at 2:58 PM.