David Samson is stepping back once more. Speaking for the first time since the passing of his daughter, Kyra, the Nothing Personal host announced an indefinite hiatus Thursday. One month after his daughter Kyra’s death.
What We Know: Samson first left the show last September, citing a serious but then-undisclosed family illness. He later returned on a reduced schedule while his daughter, Kyra, battled glioblastoma. Kyra passed away on June 24. Now, following her passing, Samson has announced another hiatus, this time with plans to walk Spain’s El Camino de Santiago.
What They Said: (All quotes via Nothing Personal with David Samson)
David Samson on the support he’s received since the passing of his daughter, Kyra: “The toughest part about all of this is that what people are trying to do to be helpful, it’s been so beautiful. [Producer] Matthew Coca from day one has been a rock for me. My partner has been a rock for me. Dan [Le Batard], everybody at Meadowlark [Media], DraftKings, friends, family, my sisters, my mother who had to bury a child as well and now a grandchild. The thing is, no one knows what to say. Thoughts and prayers that comes up. I can’t imagine. That comes up a lot. I have no words. That comes up. There are no words. I don’t want you to imagine. I appreciate the thoughts and prayers. But what’s been the most helpful to me has been knowing that everybody’s life has moved on, but they won’t forget Kyra.”
David Samson on stepping away from Nothing Personal with David Samson: “I realized that what I need to do is disappear. That’s my plan. My plan is to go on this walk [El Camino] tomorrow and to figure out what does it mean for the show to go on? What does it mean to live in a way that would make Kyra happy? What does it mean to be a father, to be a friend, to be a host? I thought I had every answer. It turns out, folks, I didn’t have any bout anything.”
David Samson thankful for the professional support he’s received: “I don’t know when I’ll be back exactly, but I want to thank Meadowlark, Bimal [Kapadia], and Stuart [Epstein] and Jenni [Rutherford] and Dan [Le Batard]. Everybody at Meadowlark, DraftKings, and CBS. The tolerance you showed, the understanding that you’ve shown me to figure out what next means. It’s been meaningful to me in ways that are hard to express my commitment to you going forward. You’ll hear from me or you’ll hear from Coca when I’m back. One minute at a time.”
What Remains Unclear: Samson admitted Thursday he has no timetable for his return.
What It Means: Samson’s exit highlights the personal toll this journey with his daughter has taken him on. We wish David and his family the best during this traumatic time in their lives. Moreover, given the loyalty Samson has built over many years, fans seem likely to wait. If you wish to make a donation to The Kyra Fund in supporting research treatments for Glioblastomas, click here.
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.
John Mamola is Barrett Media’s sports editor and daily sports columnist. He brings over two decades of experience (Chicago, Tampa/St Petersburg) in the broadcast industry with expertise in brand management, sales, promotions, producing, imaging, hosting, talent coaching, talent development, web development, social media strategy and design, video production, creative writing, partnership building, communication/networking with a long track record of growth and success. He is a five-time recognized top 20 program director in a major market via Barrett Medi’s Top 20 series and has been honored internally multiple times as station/brand of the year (Tampa, FL) and employee of the month (Tampa, FL) by iHeartMedia. Connect with John by email at John@BarrettMedia.com.