Tampa Radio: Bubba’s Producer Departs Show

Brent Hatley

Brent Hatley, the producer who has served as right hand to Tampa radio personality Bubba the Love Sponge Clem for 13 years, has resigned from the show, citing a desire to move on to greater challenges.

According to Eric Deggans at tampabay.com, the 41-year-old Hatley stressed that his departure wasn't the result of acrimony between he and Clem, who has a reputation as a difficult boss. Instead, the longtime producer said he wanted to try for a few higher-profile jobs, which he couldn't negotiate while still working for Clem.

Clem told listeners of the decision on Wednesday morning, saying he was surprised when Hatley told him Monday about his plans. He asked his longtime producer to think about his decision for a day, and said Hatley sent an email Tuesday confirming the resignation.

Shannon Burke

Shannon Burke, a host on Clem's online radio service Radio IO, was announced as Hatley's on-air replacement, starting Monday.

Burke, who developed an image as a tough-talking, motorcycle riding host at WTKS Real Radio 104.1 FM in Orlando, was arrested there in 2009 for an incident in which he shot his wife's dog and the bullet grazed his wife's head. He served more than six months in jail and was fired by Clear Channel Radio, working at a few AM stations in Orlando before joining Clem's Radio IO.  Burke will continue to host his own afternoon show on Radio IO.

"(Hatley) feels he needs to branch out ... I kinda got (blindsided) by it," Clem said on air Wednesday. "But he's got an open door to always come back. There's not a low road to be taken here." Clem's show is produced independently for broadcast on Cox Radio-owned WHPT-FM (The Bone 102.5) and syndication.

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