Radio talk show host Carinda Horton was let go Friday from Midwest Communications after nine months on the air.
Horton was released due to budget cuts, not performance or content, said Derek Moran, operations manager for Midwest Communications. Horton hosted "Common Sense with Carinda Horton," a wide-ranging current events talk show from 10 a.m. to noon weekdays on KDAL 610-AM.
"We hope to work with Carinda in the future," Moran said. "I prefer local programming, and Carinda did a great show. When the financial situation at this building improves, I have no doubt Carinda will be the first one I call."
Horton, guests and callers discussed topics such as the Duluth school district's long-range facilities plan, environmental and political issues.
"I've been fielding calls all week about why I'm not on the air," she said. "It's very humbling to hear that people want the show."
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KDAL has tentatively filled Horton's time slot with a national show on financial advice.
"They [Midwest Communications] left the door open and want to work with me in the future, but my listeners aren't buying that," Horton said. "My concern is for the people that took part in my show, that they have their voices heard. The show provided a local viewpoint."
Trina LeGarde, a routine listener and guest of "Common Sense," said Horton's show respectfully portrayed both sides of an issue, including opposing views to the school district's red plan.
"If you speak out on the red plan, your voice has been silenced, and that is a problem to me," said LeGarde, a supporter of Let Duluth Vote, an anti-red plan group. "She would bring forth facts on the red plan and other issues. ... Without her, it will be disappointing."
Horton, a mother of five who previously lost a Duluth City Council race in 2005, did not rule out another run for elected office for school board or city council.
Moran said the decision to remove Horton solely was based on the company's financial situation, saying, "I had absolutely no objections to her show. This was a budget cut and not related to the content of her show. I can't stress that enough."
Horton's departure is the latest in a string of defections from Midwest Communications. Former general manager Ron Stone left the company in mid-May. Three radio personalities, Lew Latto, Rhonda Grussendorf and Bruce Ciskie, also were recently let go. Latto has since been hired back.
