Conservative radio show canceled

Rob Schilling, a local conservative and often controversial radio talk show host, says his weekday show on WINA-AM has been canceled, an apparent victim of corporate budget cuts.

“I can say that it’s true and that it was not my choice,” Schilling said when contacted at his home Monday night. “It was presented to me as a cost-cutting move at the corporate level rather than a decision by local management.”

Attempts to reach WINA management for comment after normal business hours were unsuccessful. Although promotional information on Schilling’s show was still posted on the WINA Web site, the station’s schedule has been changed, showing the syndicated Laura Ingraham Show filling in Schilling’s former 1 to 2 p.m. weekday slot.

The station’s schedule shows “The Best of WINA” in Schilling’s former 6 to 9 a.m. Saturday time slot as well.

WINA is one of four local stations owned by Saga Communications, headquartered in Grosse Pointe Farms, Mich. The others are WVAX-AM, WCNR-FM, WQMZ-FM and WWWV-FM.

The corporation’s Web site includes financial data that show the company has seen decreasing revenues and profits during the year, especially in the third quarter. The site does not including information on any layoffs or budget cuts at local stations or the corporate level, however.

“The Schilling Show” was one of four locally produced daily talk shows on the station, joining “Morning News with Rick and Jane,” “Charlo-ttesville Right Now with Coy Barefoot” and “The Best Seat in the House” sports show, with Jay James. Those shows remain on the station’s schedule.

WINA-AM program director Rick Daniels could not be reached for comment Monday evening. In an August interview, he credited Schilling with attracting an audience.

“WINA has always been about news and stimulating talk radio,” Daniels said. “He stimulates people. He motivates them to listen and call in.”

For Schilling, 46, the radio gig was the latest in a series of interesting life twists. He has played in a Christian rock band and still retains his past-the-shoulders rocker haircut and Sonny Boy Williams-styled facial hair. He’s taught elementary school. He sells and manages real estate, is married with two children, is a technology consultant and served four years as Charlottesville’s first elected Republican city councilor in 16 years.

His tenure was stormy, involving personality and political clashes with the Democratic councilors and city staff.

After he lost the 2006 election, WINA contacted Schilling about filling in for the late Dick Mountjoy, who was battling cancer at the time. The temporary gig was supposed to last only a few months but he remained on board for nearly a year. He was hired a few months later for the daily and Saturday talk shows.

Schilling said he has no immediate plans other than spending the upcoming holidays with his family.

“I’m going to relax and enjoy Christmas and the New Year with family and friends and then I’ll look at options after the holidays,” he said.