TRIBLIVE.COM 2 Hours Ago
Tim Benz resigns from 105.9 The X on-air over gun control debate
by Craig Smith
By Craig Smith
Published: Friday, February 8, 2013, 3:40 p.m.Updated less than a minute ago
Tim Benz, co-host of the Morning Show on alternative rock radio station 105.9 The X, resigned on-air Friday after an argument with listeners over his support of stricter gun laws.
“There was a flare-up about gun control on the show which included a good deal of flashback against the station,” Benz said. “I wasn't able to walk away from the fight ... (so) I decided to step away from the Morning Show.”
The argument stemmed from a Pittsburgh gun shop's recent giveaway of hundreds of rounds of ammunition, high-capacity magazines and an AR-15 military-style rifle on its Facebook page.
Erik Lowry, owner of Pittsburgh Tactical Firearms, which bills itself as “America's Largest Online Firearms Mall,” gave away the gun and ammo. He said he did not hear the show but heard of Benz's resignation.
The reaction to Benz's comments on guns was predictable in this part of the country, Lowry said.
“When you're a morning show host in a town of blue-collar workers who love their guns and the Second Amendment, you're going to (anger) a lot of people,” he said.
Benz concedes he is passionate about the issue of gun control and his opinions seem to be misunderstood and polarizing.
“It's a personal battle that I may have waged on the airwaves too often for the format. It's a topic I feel passionately about,” he said. “And that passion has gotten in the way of doing the show in the manner in which it should be done.”
John Moschitta, program director for Clear Channel Communications, the station's parent, did not return phone calls seeking comment. Benz said he plans to honor the remaining terms of his contract in whatever way the station sees fit — be it on the air in a different capacity or off the air.
Benz is the husband of Kate Benz, a social columnist for the Tribune-Review.
Craig Smith is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at 412-380-5646 or csmith@tribweb.com.
You must be signed in to add comments
To comment, click the Sign in or sign up at the very top of this page.
There are currently no comments for this story.Subscribe today! Click here for our subscription offers.
Tim Benz resigns from 105.9 The X on-air over gun control debate
by Craig Smith
By Craig Smith
Published: Friday, February 8, 2013, 3:40 p.m.Updated less than a minute ago
Tim Benz, co-host of the Morning Show on alternative rock radio station 105.9 The X, resigned on-air Friday after an argument with listeners over his support of stricter gun laws.
“There was a flare-up about gun control on the show which included a good deal of flashback against the station,” Benz said. “I wasn't able to walk away from the fight ... (so) I decided to step away from the Morning Show.”
The argument stemmed from a Pittsburgh gun shop's recent giveaway of hundreds of rounds of ammunition, high-capacity magazines and an AR-15 military-style rifle on its Facebook page.
Erik Lowry, owner of Pittsburgh Tactical Firearms, which bills itself as “America's Largest Online Firearms Mall,” gave away the gun and ammo. He said he did not hear the show but heard of Benz's resignation.
The reaction to Benz's comments on guns was predictable in this part of the country, Lowry said.
“When you're a morning show host in a town of blue-collar workers who love their guns and the Second Amendment, you're going to (anger) a lot of people,” he said.
Benz concedes he is passionate about the issue of gun control and his opinions seem to be misunderstood and polarizing.
“It's a personal battle that I may have waged on the airwaves too often for the format. It's a topic I feel passionately about,” he said. “And that passion has gotten in the way of doing the show in the manner in which it should be done.”
John Moschitta, program director for Clear Channel Communications, the station's parent, did not return phone calls seeking comment. Benz said he plans to honor the remaining terms of his contract in whatever way the station sees fit — be it on the air in a different capacity or off the air.
Benz is the husband of Kate Benz, a social columnist for the Tribune-Review.
Craig Smith is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at 412-380-5646 or csmith@tribweb.com.
You must be signed in to add comments
To comment, click the Sign in or sign up at the very top of this page.
There are currently no comments for this story.Subscribe today! Click here for our subscription offers.
Comments
Post a Comment
Please leave a comment, just make sure they are not vulgar or they will be removed.