Mittan-and-Agnes-DSC_0546.jpg

Talk-show host Matt Mittan works with his award-winning produder-sidekick Agnes Cheek during happier times in the WWNC-AM studio in West Asheville. Daily Planet Staff Photo

From Staff Reports

Fourteen-year veteran local radio talk-show host Matt Mittan and his producer-sidekick Agnes Cheek parted ways with their employer WWNC-AM in West Asheville on Oct. 27.

According to the official statement from WWNC, issued on Oct. 27:

“Matt Mittan made the decision to leave WWNC. We wish him well. Our listeners are our top priority, and WWNC will continue to serve our local community to the best of our ability.

The official statement from WWNC on Oct. 28 added to the aforementioned: “Sean Hannity will air from 3 to 6 p.m. until a new host is named.”

Mittan did not respond to an e-mail from the Daily Planet on Nov. 3, seeking an update on his job status.

However, various media reports have noted that Cheek was let go in a corporate downsizing by WWNC’s owner, Clear Channel, prompting Mittan’s resignation.

In the meantime, Mittan and Cheek have launched a website, mattandagnes.com , enabling the duo to keep in contact with the community.

They also have assembled a professional-grade broadcast studio and are productiong daily podcast shows that are available free on-line.

Jane Bilello, chair of the Asheville Tea Party, was angry about Mittan’s departure, sending out an e-mail titled “Muffling of Mittan, Loss of Local Free Speech Venue, Anger Tea Party.” She noted that Mittan’s resignation “created significant backlash from the general public, and especially from members of the Asheville Tea Party.”

She said Mittan had said two factors prompted his resignation, including pressure from station management to avoid controversial issues that might scare off advertisers and Cheek’s dismissal.