After 42 years in talk radio—20 of which was from Cox Media Group’s WSB-AM Atlanta flagship—Radio-Hall-of-Famer Neal Boortz announced live on his show that he’s retiring and passing the torch to his friend and colleague, Herman Cain. His last day hosting The Neal Boortz Show, which airs on more than 200 radio stations with six million weekly listeners, will be 1/18/13.
Cain, who formerly hosted a radio show on News/Talk WSB prior to his run for the presidency, will launch his nationally syndicated radio show on 1/21/13 – Inauguration day.
Until then, Cain will continue joining Boortz for their Monday-Friday 10:35am ET segments and will remain as Boortz’ primary fill-in host.
Said Boortz: “It has been a great ride, but it’s time for me and my wife Donna to hit the road and travel in ways that thus far have been impossible. As my listeners know, we love traveling, and the restraints created by my daily radio show commitment have kept us on a rather short leash. At present, our post-show travel plans extend through most of 2013 and well into 2014 ranging from Florida to Alaska and Antarctica. We will then figure out where to go from there.”
He adds, “Believe me, this wasn’t a decision I made lightly. I love this business and everything it has afforded me. I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to be doing my talk show for 42 years. I’ll certainly miss the listeners and callers; but most of all I’ll miss my radio family, executive producer Belinda Skelton and researcher Cristina Gonzalez. If, in your own travels, you pass us in the BoortzBus on some highway, be sure to wave.”
Said Cain: “Neal has spent his career as a bold, vocal advocate for what is right in this world and condemning that which is not. I promise the torch Neal is handing off to me will blaze brighter, bolder and louder than ever.”
“We’re proud that News/Talk WSB has been Neal’s flagship station for the last 20 years,”
said Dan Kearney, vice president and market manager at Cox Media Group Atlanta Radio. “Fans will still get their Boortz fix as he will continue with his daily rant and commentary that will air several times a day on WSB. We’re also looking forward to welcoming Herman back and watching him take off nationally.”
