Originally posted Monday, August 5, 2019 by RODNEY HO/rho@ajc.com on his AJC Radio & TV Talk blog
"Hurricane" Dave Smith was let go Monday as vice president of programming and operations for Urban One Atlanta, which includes Hot 107.9, Classix 102.9, Praise 102.5 and Majic 107.5/97.5.
Smith also oversaw syndication operations for Rickey Smiley and others as well as stations in Raleigh, Charlotte and Richmond.
Why was he let go? His former boss who runs Urban One Atlanta Tim Davies declined to comment.
Smith didn't return a call and text seeking comment but he told Kevin Ross at Radio Facts Monday morning that there was an unspecified misunderstanding that led to the dismissal.
Smith was operations manager for the stations and PD of Hot from 2009 to 2016 before he was promoted to vice president. He stayed as program director of Hot even after the promotion.
Jamon "Jay Tek" Perry will be interim Hot PD. "We'll make some decisions soon," Davies said.
Over 10 years, Hot 107.9 has continued to be a solid performer in the market as a hip-hop leader despite plenty of new competition. Gospel station Praise has had its ups and downs but owns the gospel market. R&B station Majic, too, has seen a roller coaster ride in ratings but has been on the upswing of late.
Just on Friday, Hurricane Dave on his Instagram posted this note:
Thinking how I wish everybody could win but this isn't little league soccer. This is the big league where there's winners and then everyone else. Be the best you you can be!!! Great staff meeting today. I'm proud to be your VP of Programming. Atlanta influences everybody! #canesrulesforsuccess#thankyourradiooneatlanta#lifeisgood
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