Ebony Steele, part of the Atlanta-based syndicated Rickey Smiley radio morning show, was taken off syndicated TV celebrity news show "Dish Nation" recently, as RumorFix reported last week.
But a resolution appears to be forthcoming. UPDATE 7/9: She's out. Details here.
I've been told by an insider at the Rickey Smiley show that they should have some news regarding Steele within the week. For now, she's still technically on the show and her face remains on the website.
She had been brought to Los Angeles a few weeks back to provide commentary for the show. Smiley had brought in "Real Housewives of Atlanta" cast member Porsha Williams to sub in for the time being.
A "Dish Nation" source said Steele's departure had nothing to do with "Dish Nation" but had to do with her status with Smiley's show.
She has been working with Smiley since 2007.
All this sounds very much like a contract dispute.
I got Steele on the phone today, but she wasn't forthcoming. "All I can say is this entire thing is interesting," she mused. "I'd like to tell you more but I can't comment. I have love for both entities. Sometimes, things just kind of happen, these hiccups here and there. I have nothing negative to say about anybody or anything."
Smiley's show, which is based at Radio One studios in downtown Atlanta, is heard on more than 50 stations nationwide. Locally, it's heard on Hot 107.9 and is frequently ranked in the top 3 among 18 to 34 year olds. He joined Hot 107.9 in 2008.
"Dish Nation," which features radio morning shows in Dallas, Los Angeles and Atlanta commenting about the day's pop culture news, is a popular syndicated show that airs at midnight on Fox 5 (WAGA-TV) locally.
On radio
"The Rickey Smiley Morning Show," 6-10 a.m. weekdays, WHTA-FM
On TV
"Dish Nation," midnight weekdays, Fox 5
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