Homophobic host returns to radio

A morning talk-show host in Boston who made offensive homophobic statements on his show will return to the air after being fired in November. John DePetro will relocate to Rhode Island station WPRO-AM, where he will host a morning show, according to the Boston Herald.

In November he was fired from WRKO-AM for calling Massachusetts gubernatorial candidate Grace Ross a "fat lesbian." He also called the former Massachusetts Turnpike chief Matt Amorello "Fag Matt" on the air, for which he earned a two-day suspension.

According to the Herald, WPRO fired Dave Barber, a host they added in March, in order to replace him with DePetro, who will take the 9 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. time slot beginning Thursday.

"John brings to WPRO a rock-solid history of high ratings, provocative conversation, investigative reporting, and a fast-paced and highly entertaining broadcast," WPRO program director Paul Giammarco stated in a press released issued Thursday.

WRKO has insisted that DePetro was fired for low ratings and because a major advertiser pulled out because of concerns over his antigay talk, the Herald reported.

Ross, who is gay, told the Herald, "If he thinks he can build an audience there and they want him, that's their choice." (The Advocate)