Toledo Radio: Sid Kelly OUT At WVKS

Sid Kelly

Sid Kelly, the host of WVKS 92.5 FM KISS-FM’s “The Morning Rush” has been let go by CCM+E.

The Toledo Free Press reports there was a salary dispute.

Kelly’s one-year contract came up for review and Clear Channel decided not to renew, he said, leaving the radio host “heartbroken.”

“I said, ‘Give me what I was normally making, I’ll sign the contract,’ and they withheld the contract until the vice president people came through. [Then] I was told, ‘You no longer have a job,” Kelly said.

Kelly said he was “shocked” after learning of the separation.

“We were the biggest morning show in Toledo for two years running,” Kelly said. “We hit every one of our bonuses. … To say the least it came as an extreme shock to me and my family.”

Kelly said about four weeks ago, Clear Channel asked him if he was interested in signing a new contract, but after several reviews, corporate decided not to renew the contract. Kelly said he was shocked and surprised because “everything was going extremely well.”

In an emailed statement, Clear Channel Regional Marketing Manager Kellie Holeman-Szenderski said:

“As of May 9, 2014, Sid Kelly is no longer a part of the 92.5 KISS-FM Morning Show. We appreciate all of his contributions during his time with us and wish him well. For the immediate future, “The Morning Rush” will continue on schedule with Demetrius Nicodemus, Sara Hegarty and Meaghan Mick.”

Kelly’s last day on the air was May 9.

A post on Kelly’s Facebook page said he is taking the “high road” and will not engage in any bashing of the company. He said he doesn’t want to burn his bridges with Clear Channel even though he believes the company did not treat him honorably.

Kelly said the “The Morning Rush” show was No. 1 in its 18-34 age demographic and also No. 1 in the 25-54 age demographic.

Post by Sid Kelly.