The last (only) liberal radio talk show host in NYC was fired yesterday by WABC.

[no_hypocrisy]

Ron Kuby, criminal defense attorney and former partner of Curtis Sliwa, was told at the end of his program yesterday that it was his last show. He wasn't given an opportunity to "sign off" or to bid farewell to his listeners.

Kuby is the very last liberal radio talk show host on commercial radio in the New York City market. WBAI has liberal shows, but it is completely listener-sponsored and noncommercial radio. In 1998, on three stations in NYC, there were six liberal radio talk shows (WABC: Lynn Samuels; WWOR: Jay Diamond; WEVD: Bill Mazer; Sam Greenfield; Mayor Ed Koch; and Alan Colmes). Over the years, stations were purchased and formats changed. WABC decided conservative talk was more marketable than non-conservative. And BTW, this was all LOCAL talent, not syndicated whatsoever.

Here is Kuby's message to his listeners about his firing:

“Yesterday I was informed by WABC management, after my show, that I had just done my last show. Those of you who know the business know this is a standard (if unpleasant) way of discharging people. I was told that the reason was budgetary, and I have no reason to doubt that explanation.

“I had already made the decision that this year would be my last, and I informed management in December. The election of Trump and the threats he poses to civil rights and liberties requires more of me than being a part-time lawyer. I feel a moral compulsion to be the best and hardest-working advocate I can be, using the skills I have been taught for over three decades.

“Thanks to WABC management for giving me the opportunity that I have (mostly) enjoyed for the past three 1/2 years. Thanks to my audience with whom I have a love/hate relationship. I will miss at least half of you more than half as much as I should.

“My deepest thanks and best wishes to Curtis Sliwa, who taught me this business and frequently took the matches out of my hands after I splashed the gasoline around. Bryan and Justin — you guys made the show fun to do and you are both deeply decent people. And Hipster Mike, ‘I think I’ll miss you most of all.’ — Ron”


http://thevillager.com/2017/05/23/kuby-canned-from-curtis-kuby-show-by-wabc/

[liberal N proud]

1. I have long said that we "liberals" don't need talk radio

While it saddens me that a liberal voice was silenced, it is understandable that there are no liberal talk shows. Simply put, we don't need to be told what we think.

We have brains and we use them to identify truth from bullshit and cannot be fooled.

[no_hypocrisy]

2. I see your point, but these call-in shows provided a forum that is now denied.

Especially Bill Mazer and Sam Greenfields' shows. Tons of senior citizens loved calling them. They were well educated on the issues and finally someone would listen to them.

[liberal N proud]

8. The right wing illiterate tune in in mass, liberal don't

Therefore it is impossible to keep these shows on the air.

It is a sad fact. It still come back to the fact we won't be told what we think while the cons rely on someone else telling them what they think and are easy target for right wing talking heads.

[Initech]

7. The right wing media has bullied and steamrolled us for too long.

It's time we take back what's rightfully ours. This is a sad reminder that the right wing owns all media now. If we want to start flipping seats and states, we need a complicit media. The RW has been able to get away with their bullshit for far too long because they keep demonizing anyone who doesn't agree 100% as being the enemy. We need to start standing up against this crap. I would listen to left wing talk if there was more of it available.

[Tommy_Carcetti]

3. I want Bill Kunstler, man. nt

[no_hypocrisy]

4. Ron's mentor and law partner.

[brush]

5. Kunstler was the Man. Too bad he's gone.

[Blue_Tires]

6. k+r