Following his announcement of a book critical of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Matt Jones will no longer host a daily TV show in Lexington, Ky., about sports and politics, the Lexington NBC affiliate announced.
“Matt Jones is no longer with ‘Hey Kentucky!' ” read a statement from WLEX Vice President and General Manager Pat Dalbey. “As a broadcaster of balanced and unbiased news and information, WLEX has an obligation to fairness across its platforms, and we believe this decision is consistent with that commitment."
In response, Jones tweeted, “I disagree strongly with this decision, but it is what it is. I will continue to pursue my passions and beliefs, regardless of the result.”
Today WLEX made the decision to end my time as host of @hey_kentucky due my decision to write the “Mitch, Please” book.
— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) August 16, 2019
I disagree strongly with this decision but it is what it is. I will continue to pursue my passions and beliefs, regardless of the result
Jones, who will continue to host his popular radio show that airs across Kentucky, created “Hey Kentucky!” three years ago. He was removed from hosting the show temporarily last month as he considered a Senate run. According to one person familiar with the deliberations, the campaign of Amy McGrath, another Democrat challenging McConnell in the Senate, had raised questions to WLEX about Jones hosting the show while contemplating a Senate run. Now, Jones will not return to the TV show regardless of whether he runs for public office.
Last week, Jones said he still was thinking about a Senate run in which he would take on McGrath in the primary and potentially McConnell in the general election.
“I’m going to decide shortly,” Jones said. “When Amy McGrath is backed by the Democratic establishment, you’re looking at trying to take down two establishments, and that’s harder.”