The radio host who got pre-empted

Whatever happened to . . .

By Rodney Thrash
Published June 24, 2007

"Speaking for herself"; Dec. 24, 2006.

THE STORY: Last year, Clear Channel Communications slashed successful local programming in favor of cheaper, nationally syndicated shows hosted by celebrities with name recognition. Black broadcasters and their audiences took some of the hardest hits as the company tried to erase nearly $8-billion worth of debt. Olivia Fox and her popular bay area morning show on WBTP-FM 95.7 were among the casualties. There was no warning, no explanation, no time to say goodbye. Fox had only been in Tampa for two years, and she wasn't sure she was ready to move again, especially with a toddler daughter.

FROM THE STORY: Fox could be fast-paced and spontaneous, slapstick and serious. The self-proclaimed "queen of telling it like it is" could speak with authority about anything: not being able to find the right hair weave, living through two miscarriages, battling kidney disease and the racial implications of the Jennifer Porter hit-and-run case.

For African-American listeners, Fox filled a void. She spoke their language. She talked about their issues. She lived life as they did. And she bridged a seemingly fragmented community. That endeared her to fans and quickly catapulted her show ahead of most of the competition. Her show was No. 2 among listeners 18-34 and 25-54.

THE REST OF THE STORY: After nearly nine months off the airwaves, Fox has a new gig as late-night host at hip-hop/R&B station WKYS-FM 93.3 in Washington, D.C. For Fox, it's familiar territory. Before coming to Tampa in 2004, she was co-host of the station's nationally syndicated Russ Parr Morning Show with Olivia Fox. She left that show when contract negotiations broke down.

"Not a week would go by that someone from D.C. would e-mail or call and say, 'Girl, when are you coming back?' " Fox said. "That time has come."

She left Tampa on Friday.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT: Her show, Out the Box with Olivia Fox, premieres at 10 Saturday night. "It's a blessing for me, " she said. "I am looking forward to setting a new standard in late-night radio." Listen live online at www.939wkys.com.

[Last modified June 22, 2007, 17:12:10]