Mike Broomhead says he’s left 550 KFYI radio
Popular morning Phoenix radio talk show host Mike Broomhead shocked his followers Sunday, announcing on social media that he’s leaving 550 KFYI after 10 years at the conservative-leaning station.
Broomhead, in an interview with The Arizona Republic, said he was taking the opportunity to make a change in his career.
“I don’t have a job to go to,” Broomhead said in a phone interview. “I’m taking a leap of faith…I wanted to do something more with my life.”
The 52-year-old said his contract with KFYI had expired Dec. 31, and he may start working for another employer Feb. 1. Broomhead, who also has a TV show, doesn’t know if he will stay in talk radio.
“Legacy is such a silly word, and it makes me sound bigger than I am,” Broomhead said. “But, I want to leave a legacy behind, and this business is so fickle.”
Broomhead, who replaced the popular Barry Young in November 2014 for the coveted morning drive time slot, had worked full time at the radio station for a decade. KFYI also is home to nationally syndicated conservative talk show hosts Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity.
Broomhead, like other station hosts, was beloved by conservatives, and he often needled the Red for Ed movement in Arizona, while being critical of liberal politicians. He also was a strong supporter of Republicans, especially President Donald Trump, law enforcement and the military.
“As sure as I am that God put me there, I am as sure that this is the right decision for me,” he wrote on Twitter
Sunday afternoon. “This is 100% my decision.”
Broomhead said he made his announcement on social media because listeners expected him to be back on the air Monday morning, after a vacation.
Broomhead said he plans to stay involved in the community, but may take a less partisan view.
“I won’t stop with my opinions, and I like to affect change,” Broomhead said. “But, I would like it to be a bit more about the change and less about the fight.”
A KFYI webpage dedicated to Broomhead appeared on Sunday to have been taken down. Additionally, KYFI’s daily 5 a.m. slot already appeared to be filled by Rob Hunter, who was part of Broomhead’s show and delivered the news.
“We’d like to thank Mike for his contributions to 550 KFYI and his service to our community over the last 10 years. We‘re preparing what’s next and looking forward to the future,” the station said in a statement Sunday night.
Fans of Broomhead expressed disappointment on social media that he was leaving, while also wishing him well. Some encouraged him to run for office, something Broomhead said he won’t do.
“The Phoenix talk radio landscape will not be the same without Mike Broomhead’s voice in the morning. Mike has helped educate all of us on the top political issues facing our city, state, and country for more than a decade. We will miss him greatly and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.” Kelli Ward, Arizona Republican Party chairwoman, told The Republic.
Ward, and other conservative Republicans, often appeared on Broomhead’s show.
Broomhead replaced Young, who retired after 27 years with the station on Nov. 7, 2014, according to radioinsight.com.