Cox Brings Bubba Back To Terrestrial Radio

Bubba's back!

BUBBA "THE LOVE SPONGE, who earlier signed an extension to continue his afternoon show on SIRIUS' Howard 101, will return to terrestrial radio on JANUARY 8th, 2008. A blog on TAMPABAY.COM reports that TODD CLEM (his real name) will be simulcast on COX Classic Rock WHPT (THE BONE)/TAMPA and Classic Rock WFYV/JACKSONVILLE, doing 6-10a. His SIRIUS show starts at 3p.

The website claims that BUBBA will be paid over $3 million annually for his new gigs. His former morning show producer, MIKE "COWHEAD" CALTA, will segue from mornings to afternoons on THE BONE. 

I know I'm coming back with a huge target on my back

The new gigs come almost four years after CLEM was socked with the highest single FCC indecency fine in history, $755.000, for broadcasting skits in which cartoon characters talked about sex and drugs. He was subsequently fired by CLEAR CHANNEL.

"I want to do both (free radio and satellite), because I have a lot of unfinished business in the market," he said. "I never got to say goodbye to the fans. I was thrown off the air by CLEAR CHANNEL -- which hung me out to dry.

"I gotta stay away from the sex stuff, basically," he continued, admitting that "I don't want to get fired again. If I get fired again on regular radio, I'm a one-trick Willie ... and I know I'm coming back with a huge target on my back."

"I think BUBBA is more concerned about this than I am," COX RVP and TAMPA Market Manager JAY O'CONNOR added, noting that CLEM's show will operate with a 10-second delay, with pre-taped skits screened by executives and advance notice required for any controversial bits. "The stakes are high," he concluded. "And BUBBA knows the stakes. He's said to me 'I know I can't afford another mistake.'"

Read the entire story here.

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