Broadcaster Colin Murray has quit his talkSport radio show, saying his position was “unsustainable” following its parent company’s buy-out by News Corp, in a decision that has been applauded by his fans.
Writing on Twitter on Wednesday, Murray said he could no longer stay in his job because of the “future working relationship” between talkSport and The Sun newspaper, which News Corp own.
Murray, who said he had “delivered all-time record ratings” for the station and had been offered a new contract until 2019, ended his message with a reference to the Hillsborough disaster.
The Sun’s coverage of the disaster, that claimed 96 lives, has become as synonymous as the police failings in dealing with the the 1989 tragedy. The paper accused fans of causing the disaster.
Murray, a Liverpool FC supporter, ended his message with #JFT96, a reference to the 96 victims.
The 39-year-old, who left BBC Radio 5 live for talkSport in 2013, said his last show on the station would be on September 2.
The BBC quoted a talkSport spokesperson as saying Murray had been “a fantastic asset” and it was “very sorry to lose him”.
Murray’s decision was applauded on social media, with his fans complimenting him on his “rock solid morals”.
TalkSport later announced that footballer turned broadcaster Stan Collymore would also be leaving the station.
“After 8 extremely successful years at talkSPORT, the station has decided to withdraw its contract offer from May this year.”
Collymore wrote on Twitter: “If anyone wants a highly motivated, audience growing, award winning and passionate broadcaster dedicated to engaging with football fans around the country, give me a call!”
News Corp’s £220m purchase of Wireless Group, the owner of talksport radio, was announced last month.