Boston Sports Radio Host Ordway Fired By WEEI

Longtime Boston sports radio talk show host Glenn Ordway has been fired, the victim of a ratings drop in the face of stiffer competition.

WEEI announced Wednesday it has decided to part ways with Ordway, co-host of the afternoon drive-time "The Big Show," after 27 years.

Ordway signed a $1 million-per-year contract in 2009 but had it cut in half in 2011 after not meeting certain ratings requirements. He announced on the air his last day will be Friday, telling listeners Wednesday that sports radio is a ratings-driven business and "it's obvious" his show isn't "getting the ratings."

He refused to be critical of the station. "You're going to hear nothing negative about anybody here," he said.

Ordway, 62, said he has no plans to retire and will work on other media projects, mentioning that Internet radio is the way the industry is moving.

"He is an icon in this business and he helped build WEEI into arguably the most successful sports station in history," said Jason Wolfe, vice president of programming and operations for station owner, Entercom Boston.

"He's a true professional and that was clearer than ever in his comments (Wednesday)," Wolfe said.

Michael Holley, Ordway's "The Big Show" co-host will stay on and Ordway will be replaced by Mike Salk, a 34-year-old Boston-area native currently working in the Seattle market.

WEEI's ratings have taken a hit since WBZ-FM, known as "The Sports Hub," was launched in August 2009.

Ordway acknowledged that the newer station's FM signal appealed more to the younger crowd, when WEEI was still operating only on the AM band. WEEI has since started broadcasting an FM signal too.