
With last week's official launch of her new daytime talk show -- currently airing in households across America -- media personality Wendy Williams has decided to quit her longtime day job as a radio personality on WBLS.
The unforeseen move, which was announced today, finds Williams departing her daily radio show effective July 31 to pursue her newly launched syndicated show, 'The Wendy Williams Show,' full-time.
Mel B Pictures
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl "Mel B" poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl "Mel B" poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
In this undated image released by Oxfam Tuesday Sept. 23, 2008, British singer Mel B participates in the 'In My Name' global campaign calling for action against poverty and demanding world leaders keep their promises on millennium development goals. (AP Photo/Oxfam, HO) ** NO SALES **
AP
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl Mel B, left, serves as the emcee at a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. Mel B wears a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. The woman at right is unidentified. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Ultimo Scottish designer lingerie brand founder Michelle Mone (L) and pop singer Melanie Brown pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and singer Aubrey O'Day (R) poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown, Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard, singer Aubrey O'Day and TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
"We are saddened to lose one of our most popular personalities," noted Deon Levingston, Vice President and General Manager of WBLS. "But we understand what it requires to put a live show on television each and every day and wish Wendy all the best in this new venture."
As for the shock jock turned best-selling author, who has been a prominent DJ amongst the station's on-air talent since 2002, she has intentions on continuing to build and expand her unique brand via her new medium.
"I want to tell all of my fans that after July 31, I will no longer be doing a show with WBLS," Williams, 45, said in a statement. "I really was blessed to have a broadcast home in New York on radio for the past seven years and I want to thank everyone who supported me. I have one of the best jobs in the world, making a difference in the lives of my fans made all the difference to me and I look forward to doing the same thing in my new role as a TV host. My hope is that you will do your best to find me on your remote so I can continue to entertain and inform you each and every day."
Williams leaves behind more than two decades of on air experience and was recently nominated as a potential inductee to the National Radio Hall of Fame.
Throughout the course of her career, the New Jersey native's radio show has consistently rated as one of the highest rated programs on the station, despite its controversial tone.
No word on whether the exit from WBLS will affect her syndicated radio program.
A spokesperson for Williams was not available at deadline.
Mel B Pictures
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl "Mel B" poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl "Mel B" poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
In this undated image released by Oxfam Tuesday Sept. 23, 2008, British singer Mel B participates in the 'In My Name' global campaign calling for action against poverty and demanding world leaders keep their promises on millennium development goals. (AP Photo/Oxfam, HO) ** NO SALES **
AP
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl Mel B, left, serves as the emcee at a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. Mel B wears a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. The woman at right is unidentified. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Ultimo Scottish designer lingerie brand founder Michelle Mone (L) and pop singer Melanie Brown pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and singer Aubrey O'Day (R) poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown, Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard, singer Aubrey O'Day and TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images


Comments: (183)
Add a comment
By: shirley on 7/23/2009 4:28PM
she is one ugly woman. she looks like a man in drag. why does she wear white peoples wigs is she ashamed of her nappy african hair
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: cheeks4 on 7/23/2009 4:39PM
I can't get into her show. She is all over the place.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: jess on 7/23/2009 4:42PM
She should've never quit her day job. What's she gonna do after her show gets cancelled? Cause that mess sure isn't gonna last it's TERRIBLE.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Tom Slick on 7/23/2009 4:42PM
it looka like a man!!
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Joy on 7/23/2009 4:43PM
PLEASE... I never knew who this person was until I saw the ads for her show. So, my family and I decided we would give her a chance. We didn't even make it through an entire show.
And I'm sorry, but we just have to ask. IS she a drag queen? She reminds us of Rupaul!
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: just kate on 7/23/2009 4:59PM
I love Wendy...however....her show is well all about her, she rushs her guests...talks over top of them and the likes...I can't stand to watch her any more. She should have stayed on radio...
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Pam on 7/24/2009 1:13AM
I think she should keep her day job (radio). I love her...on the radio. Watching her on tv is painful.....painful!
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: jaye on 7/23/2009 5:08PM
I think her decision to leave radio was too soon. She should see how her TV show goes. After years of viciously hating and spewing venom on people, Karma will come back to bite her. She's not going to get any really big celeb names. I don't give her 6 months. .
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Laura on 7/23/2009 5:17PM
Ugh - this show is a train wreck. Hey Wendy - the 80's called and it wants it's catch phrase back...*making that weird a$$ face* "Howyoudoinnnnn?" Puh-lease. I just can't stomach it. Her hot topics section is more like a ten minute hot mess. Groan.
I initially thought she was a RuPaul wannabe, only to find that she really IS a woman. *gasp* Between the wigs, two feet of make up, implants that make her look at least 70 pounds heavier than I think she actually is, and the Gawd-awful format of her show, I was left wondering - why the hell would she leave such a sweet radio gig for a television show that is going to tank? Who does that? Isn't it premature? Shouldn't she have given it six months first? It is certainly naively optimistic. I won't be attempting to subject myself to an hour of that any time soon. Maybe if she calls now (right now), she can save that radio gig...
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Sekinu2 on 7/23/2009 5:14PM
yeah she should have held on to thatradio gig as I dont see her show making it but a few weeks max. Its pretty bad and hard to watch. i gave it a shot but its just like pulling teeth and has no flow or interest.Guess she will be jobless like the rest..
Reply to this Comment | Report This