Neal Boortz announces retirement after more than four decades in radio, replaced by Herman Cain
Herman Cain (left) and Neal Boortz yuk it up before cameras in WSB radio studios Monday, June 4, 2012. Cain replaces Boortz in January , 2013. CREDIT: Rodney Ho/rho@ajc.com
After more than four decades on the airwaves in Atlanta, Neal Boortz this morning announced that he is ending his syndicated talk show on January 21, 2013, replaced by former presidential candidate Herman Cain.
Cain will cohost the day the president elect is officially inaugurated and then takes over solo on Tuesday, January 22.
“I’m going to miss everything associated with doing a talk show,” Boortz said on air as his producer Belinda Skelton teared up.
He said he is not doing this for health reasons. “I am not doing this because I’m fixing to die,” he said. “I have absolutely no health problems period.” Rather, he wants to travel with his wife Donna, something he said is difficult to do as a full-time talk-show host. He even purchased a tour bus to rove the country.
“We’re going to call this Neal’s happy ending,” he added later with a glint in his eye.
After his first break, post announcement, associate producer Christina Gonzalez popped the champagne. Cain ambled in a few minutes later and grabbed a glass. “Mr. Boortz,” he said. “Your announcement was pure Boortz.”
Neal Boortz takes in some champagne during a break after announcing his pending retirement in January 2013. CREDIT: Rodney Ho/rho@ajc.com
Boortz, 67, has been the longest running talk show host on Atlanta radio. He is now heard locally on 95.5FM and AM750 News/Talk WSB from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekdays.
On December 5, 2012, he said he’s going to take the month off. After New Year’s, he will work until January 21.
“Neal is my brother from another mother,” Cain said on air. “Congratulations on the retirement. Congratulations on 42 years in this business.”
Boortz said he will do daily commentaries for Cain and will be a fill in for Cain and Erick Erickson, who is heard on WSB from 6 to 8 p.m. weeknights. Currently, Cain has been the primary fill in for Boortz.
Boortz estimated since he started in radio, he has taken 280,000 phone calls. “And 260,000 got cut off,” he said.
During a break, Skelton said Boortz intimated to her two years ago that he wanted to retired in early 2013. “It always seemed so far away,” she said. “For the past year, my stomach has been in absolute knots. It was hard for him. He loves what he does.”
Program Director Pete Spriggs said he was aware of Boortz’s intentions but they agreed to make this announcement relatively early. “He wanted it off his chest,” Spriggs said. At the same time, Spriggs wanted to have a successor ready to go so he was glad to convince Cain to take over.
“I feel great,” Boortz said on air at 11:18 a.m. when fellow syndicated host Clark Howard stopped by. “Last week, I felt really down. Right now, I’m feeling great. I don’t know how I will feel tomorrow. But I have no doubt I made the right decision.”
In 1970, on what was then called 680/WRNG-AM in Atlanta, Boortz took over for a morning host who had just committed suicide – a story he loves to tell.
He earned a law degree and juggled radio and a private practice from 1977 to 1992.
Boortz joined WSB in 1993 when it was just on the AM side. He’s a workaholic who spends four and a half hours on air every day, longer than most hosts, and Tweets several times a day.
A self-proclaimed Libertarian, Boortz usually supports Republican policies and candidates but isn’t always in line with them on social issues such as abortion, gay marriage and drug enforcement. He espouses smaller government but has been more hawkish about terrorism after 9/11 than many Libertarians.
He portrays himself as an entertainer and castigates people who merely echo what he says and don’t think for themselves. His daily line about himself: “Home of the high priest of the Church of the Painful Truth.”
Herman Cain will take over for Neal Boortz. Here they are from a 2008 event at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre which also featured Sean Hannity. CREDIT: Rodney Ho/rho@ajc.com
Boortz has written four books. The most impactful was 2005’s “The Fair Tax Book,” which advocates dropping the federal income tax in favor of a national sales tax. In a press conference early Monday afternoon, Boortz said he is working on another book about stories as a radio host and plans to release it as an e-book.
He demurred when asked about a future in politics after he retires but didn’t say no. He did acknowledge his wife Donna is highly active in the Mitt Romney campaign.
Although Boortz still has a home in Atlanta, he now spends most of his time in Naples, Fla. He grew up in several different places, including Florida, attended Texas A&M and spent several years in various professions before radio such as jewelry and carpet buyer, insurance salesman and a speech writer.
He has been lauded by radio groups across the nation over the years, entering the national Radio Hall of Fame in 2009.
Cain, a 66-year-old former CEO of Godfather’s Pizza, joined WSB in 2008 as an evening talk show host until early 2011, when he decided to run for president. His bid ended in December. Since January, he has provided daily commentaries on Boortz’s show and has continued to sub in for Boortz.
Cain’s radio footprint will now be national. Boortz is heard on about 240 radio stations. Talkers magazine, which tracks talk radio, estimates Boortz draws more than six million listeners a week, tied with Laura Ingraham for seventh.
“For all practical purposes,” Cain said on the air, “I am done with politics. Essentially, I wanted to continue to express my views and help educate people on what’s going on in this country.”
Cain will do his show each day from 9 a.m. to noon. “That is still a significant commitment a day,” he said during a press conference Monday afternoon. “When I subbed in for his four and a half hours, it was exhausting!”
Dan Kearney, market manager for Cox Radio Atlanta, said WSB will decide later what it will do with the noon to 1 p.m. slot, as well as 8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. He also noted that Cain has huge name recognition, even better than Boortz, thanks to his presidential run.
Cain said he had other offers, including TV and radio gigs. But this syndication deal was the most enticing. It will allow him to make TV appearances and do speeches across the country. He declined to say how long his deal will last.
Want more photos from the day? John Spink of the AJC posted a photo gallery.
Join my Facebook fan page and Twitter.
By Rodney Ho, Radio & TV Talk
accessAtlanta Partner Sites
Sections
Advertise on accessAtlanta.com »
Reach the audience you want by advertising on accessAtlanta.com
Join the Access Atlanta Network »
Advertisers and Publishers, expand your reach by joining the Access Atlanta Network.
Tell us what you think about the site
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement | About our ads
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
423 comments Add your comment
JJ
June 4th, 2012
11:00 am
Oh crap… I’ll probably get fired now – not sure I know how to work if I am not listening to Boortz.
News and Information Network - Conservative talk radio host Boortz plans to retire in January after 40 years … – Washington Post
June 4th, 2012
11:02 am
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution [...]
Random thoughts some of us are thinking....
June 4th, 2012
11:03 am
Maybe WSB will do us all a favor and pick up the 2 live Stews instead of putting Mr. “Black walnut” on the air.
Rickster
June 4th, 2012
11:04 am
zeke… Rodney fixed the mistake. He initially wrote “federal sales tax.”
(To be truly transparent, Rodney should have used a strike-through instead of replacing it.)
Atlanta Native
June 4th, 2012
11:05 am
Replacing one self-absorbed regressive Hannity-shill loudmouth nit-wit with another one. Such creative programming! You should rename your station WBS…
Chess
June 4th, 2012
11:06 am
What does one do after spewing years of hate and lies….
JB
June 4th, 2012
11:06 am
Most libs on here hare him…………mainly because he “exposes the big lie”. Hate on him, but take away ” his opinion” stuff and try to debate him on HIS facts and you will lose. Libs see it as hate speech…………………….As Neal always says, it’s the painful truth………..Just like the Brookings Institute came out last week ans reported in their research. 98% of young people who don’t finish high school and have a child out of wedlock end up in entitlements and poverty for life. Only 2% who finish high school, marry and THEN have a child end up that way. DEMS won’t let that out.
Jimmy
June 4th, 2012
11:07 am
Liberals are SO lame. Geez, how does this country survive? The influence of guberment schools is showing on this blog.
Moderate
June 4th, 2012
11:07 am
Unless you are a blindly partisan liberal or extreme conservative, most would agree that Boortz is the most respectful of the talk show hosts. Unlike a Hannity or Limbaugh, he sees issues with a bit of humor and a lot less tension. That he can laugh at himself makes his show a lot easier to listen to.
Good work, Neal
Timus
June 4th, 2012
11:07 am
Good riddance!! Now how long are we going to have to deal with “Dumber”?
Jimmy
June 4th, 2012
11:08 am
Why blog on the AJC? Liberals, geez!
BJ
June 4th, 2012
11:09 am
One crazy big mouth goes. Another crazy big mouth rejoins. Boring!
Tim James
June 4th, 2012
11:09 am
No, not Cain. He might fly in Atlanta, but he will flop in other markets Boortz is in. Cain struggles with simple sentences (and logic). Shouldn’t went to Erik Erikson.
JJ
June 4th, 2012
11:10 am
Good news. Boortz’s sarcastic tone and irritating comments are too old school. It will be nice to hear a articulate gentleman like Mr. Cain.
joe taxpayer
June 4th, 2012
11:11 am
What I will miss the most is his pep talks. postive thinking, power of your subconsious mind, going to work in the dark and coming home in the dark, your power of choice, going the second mile etc. etc. You have been a mentor to more men than you will ever know. Thanks to Neal I am taking a look at my diet, Gluten free, less sugar so forth. thats just 1 example. Thanks is all I can say. Enjoy your life you happy warrior.
Neal Boortz to Retire from Radio Show, Passing Torch to Herman Cain | The Hinterland Gazette
June 4th, 2012
11:11 am
[...] the reaction from Twitterverse: blogs.ajc.com/radio-tv-talk/…A radio legend is [...]
The Page by Mark Halperin | Cain Gets Talk Show
June 4th, 2012
11:12 am
[...] to take over for Atlanta radio host Neal Boortz. Tweet Related Topics: Herman Cain, Neal Boortz, News, Republican Party, The [...]
Bea
June 4th, 2012
11:12 am
I’m happy for you Neal, although I not always agreed with you, I always enjoyed your humor and your intelligence. Not happy with your replacement. Herman is a windbag. Enjoy your retirement. Much health and fun !
Maweriman
June 4th, 2012
11:13 am
GOOD RIDDANCE 2 bad rubbish! This blowhard is crotchety — dogmatic — can’t stand others’ opposing POV and is waaaay past his prime and time! Heaven forbid someone call in to disagree with him — gets short — sarcastic and downright rude!
I try to listen but can’t! His daily monologues are tiresome — boring and repetitive! How many times do we need to hear that he hates Prez Obama who he never gives the title of respect — “President!” Libertarian my eye! This guy is a “RePUKEblican” HATER with a capital “H!”
“Me and Donna! Me and my airplane! Me and Hannitty had lunch… blah… blah… blah …!” BORING!
Did I say GOOD RIDDANCE 2 bad rubbish?
1baddman
June 4th, 2012
11:14 am
Herman Cain ?????? You can’t be serious WSB !!!
Bemused Conservative
June 4th, 2012
11:14 am
YIPPPPPEEEEEEEE! No more ceaseless narcissistic boasting about his very small inconsequential plane, being an amateur pilot, living in FL and the rest of the self absorbed drivel.
I stopped listening to his vainglorious self indulgent me me me bollox 10 years ago. GOOD RIDDANCE!!! That fawning Belinda needs to go too, her horrible “country” voice grates like nothing else on ATL radio.
Cain is obviously a stop gap, particularly given his age, suppose they needed a instant, local ‘name’. Cain’s politically/economically sound but is very limited in scope – unlike Boortz he’s unfortunately quite religious. Being non-religious was Boortz’s only good point. Nothing at all wrong with a Tea Party type though.
Hannity and Rush are still the only two hosts I bother with.
PEACE BE STILL
June 4th, 2012
11:15 am
I am so happy to hear that this man is retiring. He’s not the first and he probably want be the last person to say anything that comes out of his mouth on the radio. I really wish him well, but he probably will need to spend alot of time asking God for forgiveness. It’s a shame that such a person is even allowed on the radio, but seeing how the society is today I am not surprised. After looking at the number of people who actually like him that’s goes to show that there are many sick people in this world. This is my opinion and I am intitled to my opinion whether you like it or not.
Jimmy
June 4th, 2012
11:15 am
Maweriman: Smoke another doobie and hit the welfare office. Good day, lib.
Tommy Maddox
June 4th, 2012
11:17 am
Thanks Neal!
Iconoclast
June 4th, 2012
11:18 am
I will miss Boortz. Even though I didn’t always agree with his rhetoric, especially his Reason and Heritage Foundation-informed take on environmental policy and science, unlike his successor, he never denied the onset of this recession (yes, from 2006-2008 Cain staunchly denied the economy was in decline). For all his huff-n-puff entertainment value, Boortz largely challenged his listeres to think for themselves, instead of always parroting a party-line. For that our airwaves have been truly blessed and – with his retirement – will never be the same.
Antwoine From Atlanta
June 4th, 2012
11:20 am
I can honestly say with the exception of what he penned in “the fair Tax Book”…I despised much of what he had to say…. I still believe that most of what came out of his mouth was bigoted to put it mildly and only said to get a reaction. But still…. I occasionally tuned in… and on those rare occasions, found some common ground.. like the fair tax, like drug enforcement. I won’t go as far to say that I will miss him… but I will at least give him congrats on leaving on his terms and not somebody else’s. Good for you Neil.
Jillian Galloway
June 4th, 2012
11:21 am
Neal Boortz was outspoken in his support for ending the federal marijuana prohibition and legalizing, regulating and taxing marijuana like beer and wine. And for that he deserves our great respect.
Rev. IKE
June 4th, 2012
11:22 am
Finally, no more verbal abuse and put downs for Belinda. Herman Cain more of the same…I used to listen faithfully, but 6 hrs. a day of not commentary but true hate took its toll on me a few years back. I dreamed of the day I could listen to a radio station I grew up with again. I’m sorry I can’t hang around for the news anymore. I have to find a new Preset. NPR after 3pm maybe?
Houston
June 4th, 2012
11:22 am
come January 2013….Do you miss Boortz yet ! even the “haters” will miss him. Congratulations on your decision and best of times ahead.
Shannon
June 4th, 2012
11:23 am
Neal Boortz is the best of the best – I hate to see him go, but he has worked hard and deserves to spend the good life with his Queen. I love Herman Cain and can’t think of a better person to fill the enormous shoes left behind. And, I know Herman has the good sense to hang on to Belinda – right Herman?
nWo
June 4th, 2012
11:25 am
Where can I hear Alex Jones locally?
anonymous
June 4th, 2012
11:25 am
do you people not realize these blogs are posted with little if any review? you read something that is incorrect, you KNOW or ought to know what they mean. sheesh!
jd price
June 4th, 2012
11:26 am
As Royal would say “Just Damn”
Al
June 4th, 2012
11:26 am
Herman Cain? So this means garbage out, garbage in.
Charlie Arrrr
June 4th, 2012
11:28 am
C’mon, Seriously?! I get retiring Neal, but you don’t have to hit the self destruct button on your way out of the building!
phil
June 4th, 2012
11:28 am
What terrific news! Goodbye, Neal. Leave now, in fact. The people of Georgia and elsewhere are finally relieved of your senseless jibberish at long last.
Herman Cain? Really? He won’t last 18 months…..
Boo, Of Boo Got Shot
June 4th, 2012
11:28 am
I always agreed with Neal regarding welfare. I always disagreed with his take on “government schools.” Neal is frustrated that people don’t take responsibility for their own lives, and depend on the government for assistance. Neal wants everyone to get a good education, which is the key to getting a good job. I also agreed with opinion of gay rights.
I also agree with those of you who think Royal’s untimely death made him rethink his life. Neal, you are a piece of work, but I love you and will miss you.
Jimmy
June 4th, 2012
11:28 am
Liberals really will destroy this country.
David Baker
June 4th, 2012
11:29 am
Listened to Boorts on my off days and when he recorded on holidays. I love the way he was truthfull and correct about things but ofcourse do not agree with everything. I will miss him greatly,besides Mark Arums show on Saturdays, he is my faverite. p.s. Boorts will probably comment on my spelling .I will still miss him, good traveling!!!!!
Jimmy
June 4th, 2012
11:30 am
Liberals are incomplete.
Conservative radio host Boortz plans to retire – CBS News | Conservatives for America
June 4th, 2012
11:30 am
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution [...]
"BOORTZ"= Sound of Gas-Bag Belching
June 4th, 2012
11:30 am
Mr. Boortz can’t leave soon enough…I’m surprised if he even has a gall bladder left after years of spewing bile. He empties his guts spewing Emesis/Vomitus each day along with his idols Limbaugh, Savage, et al. He’s needed Kaopectate to even slow his foul, odorous verbal diarrhea. Hook him up to an I.V., quick once he lets the door hit him in the rear on the way out.
PB
June 4th, 2012
11:31 am
Like Boortz or hate him, he was entertaining. And had a sense of humor about himself. But his rants about Obama got tiresome. Think Cain will be way too boring for most. Tends to drone on about his thoughts. WSB is using Herman’s name to hopefully keep listeners, but doubt it will last.
Cain Gets a Radio Talk Show | Hotspyer – Breaking News from around the web
June 4th, 2012
11:32 am
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution reports Herman Cain will take over the radio show from Neil Boortz, who announced he is retiring [...]
Jimmy
June 4th, 2012
11:34 am
Liberals are the most intolerant racist and bigots. They build their house on hate. It’s all liberals have…………..HATE !
Nonia
June 4th, 2012
11:35 am
@Alabamastan-I agree……looooooong overdue
Even Dr. Laura Ingram is more tolerable than Neal. His hatred is much deeper than political party affiliation. Hope he now can find the peace and solitude that his soul longs for in retirement.
Folks that live life uptight and self stressed like Neal have very very short life spans which may not be a bad thing for his wife Donna.
She now has to deal with him on a daily basis with no where for him to go several hours each day-
Jillian Galloway
June 4th, 2012
11:37 am
Hey “PEACE BE STILL”, are you sure that you’re “intitled” to your opinion? lol *If* your opinions were based on reality and *if* you could support your opinions with fact, science and logic then you would be certainly *entitled* to them. But your belief in fairytales and invisible creatures somewhat undermines the credibility of your opinions, and while you’re “intitled” to them all you want, you might find that you lose less respect if you keep them to yourself.
unfair tax
June 4th, 2012
11:37 am
the “fair” tax is not fair—lower income people will have to pay more tax under this law. It is unfair to minorities and helps out rich people.
The Truth
June 4th, 2012
11:37 am
Awesome…the idiot (Boortz) that uses the ’shut up button’ to silence debate on his talk-show (because he can’t debate himself out of a wet paperbag) gets replaced by the sexual predator Cain.
Longtime Listener
June 4th, 2012
11:38 am
I always get Boortz confused with Ludlow Porch. I think the future of Atlanta talk radio is Brian Jordan. He’s making quite a name for himself on Braves brofcasts.