WTKK cuts off Jimmy Myers’ mike

WTKK cuts off Jimmy Myers’ mike
By Jessica Heslam  |   Wednesday, November 10, 2010  |  http://www.bostonherald.com  |  Local Coverage

Photo by Herald file
Jimmy Myers, one of the few black voices on Boston radio, has lost his WTKK-FM (96.9) Sunday show after a 3 1⁄2-year run.

“I’ve never considered myself a black broadcaster. I’ve always been a broadcaster who happens to be black,” Myers said yesterday. “I am always incredibly sensitive to the issues of the black community.”

A WTKK spokeswoman said in a statement that the station recently changed its business and financial model for weekend programming.

“We offered Jimmy the opportunity to continue broadcasting under the new arrangement, but unfortunately he declined,” the statement said. “We appreciate Jimmy’s contributions to 96.9 Boston Talks and wish him well.”

Myers, 62, a longtime sportscaster who worked at WBZ-TV (Ch. 4) during the 1970s and later at ESPN, said he couldn’t accept the deal. His attorney, Henry F. Owens III, said Myers had been paid a salary, but under the new deal the station wanted him to raise the revenue for his show, which cost $500 an hour.

Owens said WTKK wanted to get rid of the outspoken Myers for a long time because he’s “too controversial.”

Myers, who hosted his last Sunday afternoon show on Oct. 31, said the one thing he really wanted was an opportunity to host a show five days a week.

“I would have changed this city,” said Myers, who lives in Dorchester and has a home in New York.

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