In Somewhat Happier Days

Fans of SIRIUSXM's OPIE WITH JIM NORTON show may have heard the last of GREGG "OPIE" HUGHES and JIM NORTON together on the same show. OPIE, whose contract recently expired, posted a YOUTUBE video saying "I do not do morning radio anymore. I do not do radio with JIM NORTON anymore," adding that he found out through his agent that NORTON and producer SAM ROBERTS would be hosting a show; OPIE added that he has not been fired and said that he has "not been satisfied with what they have offered" but that SIRIUSXM has treated him well.

NORTON, who has been hosting with ROBERTS on the morning show this week, said on TODAY's show that he signed a contract last night and "everything is up in the air because he's (OPIE) not signed." As for mornings, NORTON said that the decision on a new show and time slot has not been finalized since he had not signed the deal until TUESDAY. He said OPIE, through their common agent BOB EATMAN, had asked for NORTON to be on the show for fewer days -- two to three days a week -- and wanted to bring on other co-hosts for other days. NORTON added that he found out OPIE was leaving via an e-mail, although he said that he "knew that the show was coming to an end." He objected to the video's implication, being shot in front of a shark tank and advising viewers to "keep your head on a swivel," that NORTON and ROBERTS were "sharks" plotting to take over the show.

NORTON also noted that OPIE had actively lobbied along with then-channel chief TIM SABEAN to move to afternoons while ANTHONY CUMIA was still a co-host on the show; NORTON and CUMIA preferred mornings.

OPIE's departure played out in tweets as well:

Many asking what my status w/ @SIRIUSXM is now that my contract is up. I answer that question somewhere in this vid https://t.co/QQnKhqeb3n — opie radio (@OpieRadio) September 25, 2016

Silly Matt...I don't do that show anymore https://t.co/uSvUGL359v — opie radio (@OpieRadio) September 26, 2016

Don't do that show anymore so I guess they have the right to do whatever they want. Looking at my options and have no contract at this time https://t.co/hqrc9SqWVV — opie radio (@OpieRadio) September 26, 2016

I understand...should know soon. Sorry for the BS https://t.co/4qVoAskxFu — opie radio (@OpieRadio) September 27, 2016

Not retiring. Have a couple possibilities that I'm mulling over. I love that I got to use the word "mulling" https://t.co/e6sUKz2bdT — opie radio (@OpieRadio) September 28, 2016

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