Hot 97 has announced new hosts for its morning show slot, following the cancellation of Ebro In The Morning. The radio station revealed the new lineup through its social media channels over the weekend, introducing Ronndell Smith, Lana Harris, and Million as the fresh voices intended to engage listeners. However, the announcement sparked significant backlash, particularly among notable figures in the media and music industries.
The trio brings a wealth of media experience to their roles, with Smith being an established actor and comedian, Harris boasting over a decade in the news industry, and Million recognized as an interviewer and content creator. Despite their backgrounds, the new hosts are not widely known, prompting criticism from some quarters, including from rapper-turned-podcaster Joe Budden and veteran Hot 97 personality Funk Flex. Budden expressed his discontent on social media, stating, “Not even doing this with them today lol,” while Flex shared laughing emojis in response to the announcement.
What many critics overlooked is that Smith, Harris, and Million will not be replacing the Ebro In The Morning team in New York. Instead, they are set to host a daily live national television show from Hot 97’s Atlanta location. This clarification has been pivotal, as it addresses the confusion surrounding their appointment.
Despite the initial negative reception, the new hosts have maintained a positive demeanor, engaging with the comments and even responding humorously to some of the criticism. Supporters have begun to defend their appointment, with one user noting, “They actually sound like a morning radio show crew. People hated the Breakfast Club at first too.”
As anticipation builds for the new show, set to launch in January 2024, reactions continue to unfold. While some listeners remain skeptical, others have rallied to support the new team. An online commenter even encouraged Budden and his team to reconsider their harsh critique, tagging them for an “emergency podcast” to apologize.
The former Ebro In The Morning crew has yet to publicly address the situation, although they have previously voiced their disappointment regarding the cancellation of their long-running program. Ebro himself has speculated that the shift may be politically motivated, suggesting that the station aims to cater to different interests in the industry.
As the landscape of morning radio evolves, the new hosts of Hot 97 face the challenge of establishing their presence amid skepticism. With their show debuting soon, they have the opportunity to redefine expectations and carve out their niche in the competitive media environment.
