Donnie Simpson: Former BET Host Leaves Radio Gig

Former BET personality Donnie Simpson is leaving his long-running morning radio show, 'Donnie Simpson Show' in Washington, DC.

The green-eyed talent, best known for hosting BET's 'Video Soul' for 14 years, had been helming his morning radio program on WPGC-FM in the nation's capital since 1993.

Though the show was never syndicated, Simpson was the first urban-format radio personality to have an annual salary over $1 million without his morning show being national.

The 56-year-old talent was expected to retire last year when his contract expired, but much to the chagrin of station management – who were preparing another BET personality Big Tigger to take over the slot – Simpson announced at a company gathering that he intended to continue his morning show for several more years.

The 32-year radio veteran, who hosted the 'Donnie Simpson Show' on WPGC for 17 years, was rumored to have taken a substantial pay cut to continue the show.

Last June, Simpson's longtime sidekick, comedian Chris Paul, left the show unexpectedly to join the 'Tom Joyner Morning Show' as a contributor.

Paul was the second person to defect Simpson's show for Joyner's nationally syndicated show. In 2007, comic Huggy Lowdown, the most recognizable featured player on Simpson's show, bolted for the 'Tom Joyner Morning Show.'

Regardless, less than a year after inking a new contract with CBS Radio, the BET Walk of Fame inductee is ending his run at WPGC this Friday after months of allegedly bickering with station management.

His actual contract does not expire until March 2011 and Simpson will not be allowed to work at another station for the next 13 1/2 months.

He reportedly asked the station not to give him a big send off.

Reps for WPGC and CBS Radio refuse to comment on the matter.

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For related stories, read 'No Mo' Radio: Mo'Nique's Syndicated Afternoon Show Canceled.'

& 'Comeback Confirmed: Sade Readies New Music For Valentine's Day.'

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