Longtime Tampa radio host Jack Harris claims he has been fired by NewsRadio 970 WFLA.
“After I signed off from my show at 7:00 AM today, iHeartRadio bosses told me that they were cutting back on expenses and had to let me go,” Harris told The Tampa Bay Times. “I didn’t think I was that big of a burden on them. I was making a seventh of what I made three or four years ago.”
The 81-year-old Harris had been with the station in several tenures since 1970 but had hosted on the station for the last 29 years, most recently on weekdays from 5:00-7:00 AM as host of AM Tampa Bay.
When reached by Barrett News Media for comment, WFLA Program Director John Mamola declined the opportunity to speak on the subject.
Harris — who was insistent that he was not playing a practical joke on listeners with April Fool’s around the corner — shared he was saddened he didn’t get the opportunity to have a farewell show and thank listeners for their years together. “They are what I will miss most.
When asked what his next step will be, Harris was unsure.
“I might look for part time work on the radio somewhere,” the longtime host said. “Or maybe I will retire. I am an old geezer after all.”
