Larry Elder Exits Salem Media

Conservative radio talk show host Larry Elder is departing Salem Radio Network, the company that has hosted his nationally syndicated show since 2016. Elder, who signed a contract in 2019 that kept him on Salem’s airwaves through 2022, will depart the show effective immediately, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Larry Elder

Salem says that Carl Jackson, a radio host from Orlandom who subbed for Elder last year, will take over his timeslot until a permanent replacement is named. In a statement, Salem senior vp of spoken word Phil Boyce said that the move was “completely 100% Larry’s decision.”

Elder, who calls himself “The Sage From South Central,” according to his official bio, was a radio staple on KABC in Los Angeles before joining Salem.

Perhaps most notably, Elder ran in California’s recall election last year, entering the race late but becoming the top vote-getter among the Republicans hoping to unseat Gov. Gavin Newsom. Newsom ultimately avoided a recall, with nearly 62% of voters choosing to keep him in office.

Carl Jackson

“Larry is an icon as a radio talk show host and is a powerful voice as a leading black conservative, and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors,” Boyce added. “I hope there will be future opportunities for us to work together.”

Salem added that it will also host Elder’s upcoming documentary, Uncle Tom 2, when it is released later this year. The media company is known for its conservative and Christian radio programming, with hosts like Hugh Hewitt, Dennis Prager and former Trump administration staffer Sebastian Gorka.

Jackson is a black conservative, who grew up outside Compton, California. He now owns his own business in Orlando, but has had a secret desire to become a radio talk show host.

“Carl has a warm and engaging personality on the air, and because he had to fight his way out of hard circumstances, he is able to convince others of his correct life style decisions,” said Salem Sr. VP of Spoken Word Formats, Phil Boyce.