Miami Radio: Talker Fernand Amandi OUT At iHM's WIOD

Fernand Amand1 (Sun-Sentinal photo)

Citing cost-cutting measures, WIOD 610 AM has canceled Fernand R. Amandi’s talk show, according to a statement the radio personality released on Twitter.

His show aired mid-morning weekdays from the iHeart Media-owned station in Miramar. Amandi said iHeart officials informed him that the May 19 broadcast was his last, according to the Sun-Sentinel.

“While I’m disappointed I won’t be able to continue the lively town hall style conversations we first began in late 2014, I am grateful for the opportunity given to me by WIOD program director Grace Blazer, the team at iHeartRadio and listeners across South Florida and throughout the country,” he stated. “Hosting this show and listening to the hopes, and fears, the stories and passion of our listeners will always be among the most rewarding honors of my life, and I will miss all of you every day.”

In Amandi’s place this week, WIOD has had David Bloomquist, known as Bloomdaddy, a talk show host from West Virginia.

WIOD program director Grace Blazer did not comment on the show’s cancellation. “We will be announcing a new show soon,” she said.

Amandi has a full-time job as a partner in Bendixen & Amandi International, the Miami-based firm that conducts public opinion research and focus groups. He also frequently appears on MSNBC as a guest of Joy-Ann Reid’s weekend show.

Amandi, a Cuban-American and graduate of Florida State University, has been a fan of radio since he was a kid. He tuned into Spanish-language talk radio that played in his childhood homes in Coral Springs, Boca Raton and Miami-Dade County. Amandi listened to sports talk radio hosts Hank Goldberg and the late Neil Rogers, who once had the 10 a.m. time slot at WIOD that Amandi eventually took over.