The recession has unfortunately hit Legendary radio personality Donnie Simpson. Donnie Simpson has been a staple on and off the radio in the Washington, DC area for over 30 years. He’s been on WKYS and WPGC and on BET’s Video Soul. Based on negotiations, it seems like Donnie’s last day may be on Friday, January 29, 2010.
Here’s how the Washington Post is reporting things:
Simpson’s departure follows months of declining ratings for his show and internal friction between Simpson and WPGC’s management. The station has sought to boost Simpson’s ratings and attract younger listeners by updating his playlist and playing hit songs more often. Simpson and his producer-son, Donnie Jr., have maintained that the station was meddling, compromising his long-running program and alienating loyal listeners.
CBS had wanted to ease Simpson out with a celebratory retirement party in mid-March, but Simpson declined, according to people familiar with the negotiations between him and the station. Late last week he began telling listeners on the air that his departure was imminent but didn’t specify when he’d be leaving. [Source]
