Poway High Grad Rick Savage Returns to 91X as Morning Host

Savage will also serve as music director for the San Diego alternative rock station.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 1:50am

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Rick Savage, a Poway High School graduate, is returning to 91X radio as the weekday morning on-air talent from 6 a.m. to noon, as well as serving in the role of music director. Savage previously worked at 91X from 2003-2024 and has held various other media and entertainment industry roles over the years.

Why it matters

91X is a legendary alternative rock station in San Diego, and Savage's return as morning host and music director represents a homecoming for the Poway native who grew up listening to the station. His experience and connections in the local music scene could help 91X continue to thrive and expose new San Diego artists to a wider audience.

The details

Savage began his radio career shortly after graduating from Poway High School in 1998, hosting morning and afternoon drive-time on San Diego alternative rock station KFSD-FM. He then spent a year at 91X from 2003-2004 before taking on various other roles in the media and entertainment industry, including stints at the NFL, Apple, Vevo, and KROQ in Los Angeles. Most recently, he hosted a show on KCSN-FM and was on-air for KSBR-FM. In his new role at 91X, Savage's goal is to support the next era of alternative radio in San Diego and help expose new local artists to a wider audience.

  • Savage will return to 91X as the weekday morning on-air talent starting on March 23, 2026.
  • The San Diego Music Awards, where Savage's managed band Agent 51 is nominated for two awards, will be presented on May 6, 2026.

The players

Rick Savage

A Poway High School graduate who is returning to 91X radio as the weekday morning on-air talent and music director.

Hilary Doneux

The 91X brand manager and afternoon host who said bringing Savage back was a "no-brainer" due to his genuine personality, humor, and deep connection to the local music and culture.

Agent 51

A San Diego-based punk rock band that Savage manages, which was recently nominated for two San Diego Music Awards including album of the year and alternative album of the year.

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What they’re saying

“I am a Poway kid who was raised listening to 91X. Growing up in San Diego, 91X has always been more than just a radio station to me. It opened up a whole new world of music early in my radio journey. It was an ignition point in my career.”

— Rick Savage (Times of San Diego)

“Bringing Rick home was a no-brainer. He's genuine, hilarious, great on the air and deeply plugged into the music and local culture. He's a respected programmer, a strong digital voice, just a perfect fit.”

— Hilary Doneux, 91X brand manager and afternoon host (Times of San Diego)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Savage's return to 91X as morning host and music director represents a homecoming for the Poway native, who grew up listening to the station and is now poised to help shape the next era of alternative radio in San Diego while also supporting the local music scene.