WYEP Radio Spins “Soul Show” and “An American Sampler” From Weekend Lineup

Two longtime staples of public radio station 91.3 WYEP’s weekend lineup are leaving the airwaves.

WYEP, which is operated by the Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting Corporation and bills itself as “Pittsburgh’s home for adult alternative music,” announced Wednesday that it was canceling “The Soul Show.” It has been on the air since 1995 and hosted for 13 years by Mike Canton.

The station said in a press release that “The Soul Show” will continue to be available through Canton’s website at www.soulshowmike.org.

Additionally, “An American Sampler” is leaving WYEP’s Sunday night schedule after 31 years on the air. The show was hosted by Ken Batista, who is among the station’s “longest serving volunteer hosts, bringing folk and acoustic music to listeners for 31 years,” according to a statement from WYEP.

“We are honored that Ken has shared his knowledge and passion for music with WYEP listeners throughout this time,” said Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting Vice President of Broadcasting Mike Sauter. “We are grateful to Ken and Mike for their long service on WYEP.”

WYEP program director Liz Felix said the changes were based on listener feedback.

“We’re working to bring listeners more of the great mix of weekend music they hear on weekdays,” Felix said.

Another big change is that “Roots & Rhythm,” an American and roots music program hosted by Jesse Novak, is moving to a new time on Sunday nights from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The scheduling changes go into effect this weekend.