Donnie 'Luv Bug' Simpson Leaves WPGC-FM in Washington DC. Station invokes Non Compete Clause

WASHINGTON DC (Tell Us DC) - In an effort to change the ol' skool format of Donnie 'Luv Bug' Simpson’s morning show at the CBS owned, Washington DC radio station WPGC-FM, the management got involved by attempting to force the popular morning drive DJ to play more current music and override his “creative control” contract clause. As a result, Simpson decided to walk in late January ending a 32 year career and a long affiliation with WPGC.

According to the Washington Post, Simpson wept as he played for the last time, Lionel Richie's "Jesus Is Love," his traditional closing song at the station. This followed a parade of calls from celebrity well-wishers and other supporters.

The 56-year-old legend has been doing radio since his teenage years in Detroit and mornings at the DC station since 1993 and has refused the station’s face saving offer for a big send-off with a going away party. Industry producers are now working in the background to take his morning show into national syndication avoiding the “non-compete” provision of his contract. The clause bars Simpson from working for a Washington-area station for the next 13 1/2 months



Simpson’s departure follows months of friction between him and various members of WPGC’s management. The station has sought to attract younger listeners by updating his playlist and playing hit songs more often. Simpson and his producer-son, Donnie Jr., have maintained that the station was meddling, compromising his long-running program and alienating loyal listeners. In addition, Simpson’s contract includes a clause that offers him “creative control” over the show. Possible legal action by Simpson for breach of contract against the station remains a mystery at this point.

Simpson has been a radio personality since he was a teenager in Detroit, his home town. Before joining WPGC, he spent 16 years at WKYS-FM, helping to build it into a local powerhouse. He also gained national and international attention as the host of Black Entertainment Television’s “Video Soul” program for almost 15 years.

Simpson has not disclosed his plans after leaving CBS owned WPGC. Station managers declined to comment.