Livingston

        Controversial radio talk show host Nathaniel Livingston Jr. says he was fired Friday from WDBZ-AM (1230) because he blew the whistle on a deal the station's chief executive, Ross Love, allegedly made with Mayor Charlie Luken.

        Mr. Livingston claims Mr. Luken appointed Mr. Love to a leadership spot on the Cincinnati Community Action Now race commission in exchange for promising that WDBZ's on-air personalities would not criticize the mayor during his campaign for the city's first “strong mayor” position.

        Mr. Love, president and CEO of Blue Chip Broadcasting, owner of WDBZ, had no comment Sunday. Steve Love, vice president and general manager, confirmed the termination but declined comment, saying it's an internal matter.

        Mr. Luken on Sunday denied there was a deal, pointing out that on-air personalities at WDBZ criticize him daily.

        “If a deal was made, they (on-air personalities) all should be fired, because they continue to attack me with regularity,” he said. “Based on what I've heard, there doesn't seem to be any moratorium on criticism of me or any other member of council.”

        The mayor called it “another wild accusation” by someone who has dogged him since his council days, making inappropriate public statements and personal attacks.

        “It's the worst kind of venom, and much of it is racial,” Mr. Luken said.

        “It really should be rejected by everybody, white and black. It's hateful.”

        The 32-year-old Mr. Livingston, of Avondale, said he intends to file a lawsuit seeking reinstatement and damages, citing the Ohio Whistle Blower Act, according to which an employee can't be fired for bringing improprieties to an employer's attention.

        Mr. Livingston also said he is considering a city council run.

        According to Mr. Livingston, after Timothy Thomas was killed by a Cincinnati police officer April 7, the station's on-air staff was called to a meeting.

        “We were told at that time by Ross Love that he was in the process of working out a deal with Charlie Luken and that in order for the deal to go through, he had to be able to guarantee Luken he would not be criticized or in any way attacked on The Buzz,” Mr. Livingston said.

        On Tuesday, Mr. Livingston wrote a memo threatening to take the matter up with law enforcement. Three days later, he was fired after his 3-5 p.m. show.

        Mr. Livingston has been embroiled in several controversies, although no mention was made of them when he was fired, he said. He was arrested in September for jumping onto a stage during Mr. Luken's speech at Oktoberfest and using a bullhorn to demand a meeting with Police Chief Thomas Streicher and a police captain.

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