Two controversial local stories — both of which got media coverage outside Livingston County — apparently led to the ouster of longtime WHMI news director and morning show host Jon King.
In an interview today on Michigan Radio’s “Stateside” program, King was interviewed about his ouster after nearly 20 years at WHMI-93.5, which is owned by Owosso-based Krol Communications. King pointed to two stories, both of which involve Meghan Reckling, chair of the Livingston County Republican Party, and who is running for a seat on the Livingston County Board of Commissioners.
The two stories that King said are linked in his firing are Reckling’s criticism over a planned Drag Queen Bingo event planned for the Howell Melonfest, which was pulled because of the controversy; and the protest Reckling organized when President Joe Biden visited Howell in October.
King said that the final straw was apparently placed by Steve Gronow of Chestnut Development.
According to King on “Stateside,” Rod Krol of Krol Communications said Gronow felt the station’s news coverage of Biden’s visit was “over the top.”
King was told that “the day after the president visited, (Gronow) listened to the station and all he heard were sound bites from the president,” King said. “And about the protest.”
Biden is the first sitting president to ever visit Livingston County, and his visit to the Operating Engineers Local 325 training facility on M-59 in Howell was his very first stop to sell his Build Back Better legislation, which was at that time being wrangled in Washington, D.C.
You can read our coverage of that visit by clicking here.
King asked Krol what it was about the station’s coverage that was untrue or unfactual, but the question was never answered.
Then, King was handed an email that he had sent to Meghan Reckling in which he asked for her comment on the difference between Drag Queen Bingo and the protests she organized for Biden’s visit.
Reckling opposed the planned Drag Queen Bingo at the Melon Festival on the grounds that it was inappropriate for children, and she was the organizer of the Biden protest, encouraging children to attend.
“(The Biden protest) was held at a major intersection in the middle of the week at which children were encouraged to attend and were there,” King said of the protest on Stateside. “There were vulgar banners, open consumption of alcohol, and physical intimidation of the president’s supporters.”
King’s email to Reckling: “You said the first event was inappropriate for children, and you organized this very public event at which children were present, and some reasonable, rational person might say it was inappropriate. Can you comment on that?”
Reckling never replied to King’s email, but it somehow found its way to Krol Communications, and was presented as “proof of my bias,” King said.
Since Reckling never responded to the email, King said there were only three conclusions he could draw:
• Reckling gave the email to Krol management as proof of his bias;
• Reckling presented the email to someone else to present to the station; or
• Krol Communications was monitoring King’s email.
None of the three possibilities speaks well of the company, King said.
That email was handed to him at the same time he was told Gronow declined to renew his advertising contract.
“I’ll let you draw your own conclusions,” King said.
Tyler Scott, who interviewed King for “Stateside,” said he contacted Gronow for comment.
“Gronow would not comment to ‘Stateside,’” Scott told King. “He wishes you the best, and he said he was not in a place to judge you as a journalist.”
King said that he knows Gronow from community events, and that he had never had a negative interaction with him.
You can listen to King’s interview on “Stateside” by clicking here.
I normally use the WHMI website for getting up to date news regarding the community Since Jon King’s departure I have noticed the depth and importance of the posts have been replaced by what I call a community calendar with very little substance Another honest and indepth news source bites the dust What a shame
Jon King is a leftist hack he attacked Republicans and spread misinformation and all out lies. He tried to use the SPLC as a credible source ( joyslin Bensen was on the board of the SPLC ) let’s not forget the Mike Detmer Smears and lies based on a photo bomb… glad the guy is gone it’s the best thing thats happend in years. Good Job WHMI. Now hire someone that isn’t pushing a leftist agenda, aWe have the livingston post for that.
Let’s not forget the Slotkin / Jon King video pushing Putting boys in Girls bathrooms locker rooms and showers, and boys in Girls sports either.
Bye bye, WHMI
Still waiting for WHMI to explain why they fired Jon KI g. What were the “fundamental disagreements” and what is the direction of the news department now? Coverage more slanted toward the right? Less coverage of controversial subjects? A PR vehicle for the county? Holding elected (and wannabe) officials less/more accountable?
Glad he’s gone, as soon as 2020 election started he was very slanted, left wing and smeared a few local candidates running. I sent him an email sharing my concerns about his slander and was responded with a holier than now attitude supporting his views. Instead of having a conversation about racket each other’s views he wouldn’t listen or try to understand a side he didn’t believe. (I am no relation to Bill Rogers, of the Genoa Township Board, or former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers.)
Sadly livingston county is well known for its racism and conservative views. King is quite a loss. I will never understand how the drag bingo became an issue. Megan sounds like she’s stuck in 1955. Yikes.
How is explaining the comparative basis for the question, showing bias? If anything, King is crediting Ms. Reckling as having a reasonable viewpoint for believing that some reasonable people may object to Drag Queen Bingo. It seems to me Tim that you are the one who is creating the alleged bias.
I’ve been a loyal listener to WHMI for 28 years. Jon & Mike ‘s morning show, for over 20 years. This is a big eye opener on how politics in Livingston County has ruined our community! I will not be listening to WHMI ever again!
Hmmmm…. as of this morning, I think that The Livingston Post is the ONLY local news source covering this event. This may be the opening where the LP could possibly become the premier (aside from being the only) reliable, honest, local news source. Where could they get a seasoned, polished, down-in-the-trenches, honest, ethical and all around nice person to fill this position? Hmmmmm….
This is a huge loss for our community. I loved listening to the morning show. Mike and John did an amazing job. I’m removing 93.5 from my preset and will no longer listen to that station. I wish them both the best! They will be missed.
“…and some reasonable, rational person might say it was inappropriate”. That’s where King showed his bias. The question itself is legit and fair, but phrasing it that way shows bias and isn’t something a professional newsman should do.
I will no longer listen to the station. I loved their show. I thought it was wonderful coverage of local issues. that are not available on other stations. They knew the community. Great music, upbeat. They should go to another station as they have a loyal following. BTW who would think it appropriate to bring children to a expletive laden gun toting event during school hours? I will not shop at businesses who condone this either
I love Mike and Jon in the morning. They were wonderful and made my morning. I will not listen again.
I loved Jon and mike and their am show I will not listen ever again they made my morning