Las Vegas Sun

March 18, 2024

Mark of ‘Mark & Mercedes in the Morning’ leaves; J.C. Fernandez steps in Jan. 5

Updated Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014 | 6:43 p.m.

Half of the long-running and market-topping KXMB 94.1 “The Mix” morning radio team has announced a departure from the duo.

Mark DiCiero, who teamed with Mercedes Martinez for 18 years as “Mark & Mercedes in the Morning” to become a force on Las Vegas morning radio, said today on his Facebook page that he was leaving the show.

The show's new co-host will be its longtime executive producer, J.C. Fernandez. Mercedes and he debut the new Mix 94.1 morning show Jan. 5 following holiday break.

"We are so excited to continue the show with J.C. as my new co-host," Mercedes said tonight in a text message. "He has paid his dues as the best producer in the country for so many years, and he had earned the spot."

Mercedes said the show's title would be announced "soon" and would air in the 5:30 to 10 a.m. time slot starting 30 minutes earlier than "Mark & Mercedes."

Mark's post today was written “to all of my friends and colleagues at Mix 94.1 and CBS Radio/Las Vegas.” In its entirety:

“It has been a true pleasure quarterbacking Las Vegas' No. 1 morning show for the past 18 years. After that kind of tenure, change is never easy, but your instincts know when it's time to make a change, and, for me, that time is now. I have decided to move on, and I am extremely excited about what the future holds.

"There are so many things that I am going to miss about KMXB and CBS Radio, but what I will miss most is working with YOU, the best staff in radio. Each and every one of you are true professionals, leaving the others behind with your dedication, perseverance, relentless hard work and amazing creativity. You have inspired me daily, and I thank you for that, and I thank Charese Fruge and Jerry McKenna for making this 'radio guy's' dream come true. It's been an incredible run, and I will miss you all.”

"Mark & Mercedes" was at the top or near the top of the Las Vegas Nielsen Audio ratings, especially in the key 25-54 age category, during the entirety of its run.

The most recent public event hosted by the team was the Dec. 5 "Not So Silent Night" charity show benefiting Candlelighters and headlined by Train at the Joint in the Hard Rock Hotel.

Follow John Katsilometes on Twitter at Twitter.com/JohnnyKats. Also, follow “Kats With the Dish” at Twitter.com/KatsWiththeDish.

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