Hosting Switch Launches Political 'Radio War'

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The radio wars are heating up in Memphis as one controversial host replaces another. Thaddeus Matthews has been pulled off the air, replaced by Ben Ferguson. But for these outspoken personalities, the static won't end there.

For controversial blogger and radio host Thaddeus Matthews, Friday was like the famous Ray Charles recording. His boss at AM 990 KWAN, told him to "Hit the Road, Jack."

"On Friday the General Manager George Bryant, came into the station after my show, told me get out of his building, that my show was being terminated."

Within hours, matthews said he learned his replacement in the coveted 4pm – 7pm slot would be his radio arch rival, Ben Ferguson. Ferguson, who Matthews said he dominated in the recent radio ratings, was let go by AM 600 WREC.

"I've never met Thaddeus, I don't know him," said Ferguson. "I know he's tried to bait me into arguments with him in the past, he's called my mother disparaging remarks in the past on his show, from what I've heard from others. I don't know the guy, this is a business decision and I'm going to do what I do."

Ferguson said he's excited about landing at another station in Memphis, and felt stabbed in the back by WREC.

"I went to them about six weeks ago and I said 'I've got a job offer in Washington D.C., are we good,' and they look at me and said yes, two different people. And obviously we weren't."

Matthews is not good with his old station either, claiming white Republicans who hate him pressured management to kick him off the air.

That Ray Charles song tells Jack to hit the road and don't come back no more. Thaddeus Matthews is no Jack. he's filing a half million dollar suit against AM 990.

The Ben Ferguson Show can now be heard 4pm – 7pm on AM 990.

Thaddeus Matthews said he will continue to maintain his blog and plans to launch a new radio station, AM 1180 WPLX, within the next 30 days.