Cates fired by DNC donor

The Kansas Meadowlark has an updated story this evening on the firing of Topeka talk show host Jim Cates.

Spike Santee, the boss in Topeka that made the call to fire Jim Cates on Wednesday, made a $300 donation to the Democratic National Committee in 2003. The revelation further adds fuel to the fire of supporters of Jim that his firing was politically motivated and had nothing to do with ratings or the performance of the show.

Jim had announced his retirement at the end of 2008 on Monday’s show. Wednesday, Cates was notified his contract was not being renewed.

There will be a rally tomorrow morning at 8am in front of the station in Topeka. Snail mail letters are encouraged to be sent to the station in protest of Jim’s firing. USPS mailed letters rather than emails are encouraged because letters sent to the station have to be kept on file to be reviewed by the FCC when the station is up for license renewal.

Letters should be sent to:

KMAJ-AM 1440
Cumulus Broadcasting
825 S Kansas Avenue
Topeka, Kansas 66612

Emails should be sent to the person responsible for Cates’ dismissal, Spike Santee at spike.santee@cumulus.com.

Click here to read a previous story with more information on how to contact the station and Cumulus headquarters in Atlanta.