The Toldeo Blade reports details on his departure were not
available, and he could not be reached for comment. Wilson had been program director, news
director, and afternoon drive-time host for more than seven years on the
conservative radio station.
He posted the announcement on his Facebook account: “I am
glad to have had the opportunity to preach the gospel of freedom and liberty to
Northwest Ohio . Wish I had the chance on the
air to say thank you and good-bye to my listeners. I will continue to make
every effort to spread the message of free markets and liberty.”
Andy Stuart, WSPD’s vice president and regional market
manager, declined to comment on Mr. Wilson’s exit, except to say it was
effective immediately. He said Clear Channel is “just now launching a nationwide
search” to find a replacement for Mr. Wilson and that WSPD will “put together a
patchwork lists of local and national substitute hosts” in the interim.
Mr. Wilson leaves behind a legacy of controversy thanks to
his acerbic tone, a perceived negativity toward Toledo , and at least one stunt that featured
him trying to force his way into a news conference by pushing through a door
barred by a city employee.
Several public officials said they are glad to see him go.
“WSPD will not be hard-pressed to find someone who has a
better wit, greater charm, and a far deeper knowledge base than Brian Wilson
had,” said former Toledo Mayor Carty Finkbeiner, whom Mr. Wilson referred to as
Mayor Pant-Load. “He was one of the most boring talk show hosts I ever had the
opportunity to briefly listen to.”
Mr. Wilson came under fire last year when he used the term
“little monkeys” in reference to Toledo Public Schools students, and for a
radio host who relied on local support for his show, he seemed to have contempt
for area residents.
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