KVI talk radio host off the air as of Thursday

Longtime conservative local talk radio host Kirby Wilbur aired his final show on AM 570 KVI Thursday, the radio station announced.

On a Facebook fan page for the Kirby Wilbur Show, Wilbur said KVI management "chose not to renew my contract which expires 12/31. It was not my choice to leave. Thank you all for years of loyal listenership and friendship."

Wilbur could not be reached for comment today.

Jim Clayton, general manager at KVI, said the staton chose not to renew Wilbur's contract because "his ratings are not strong. That's really what the decision is based on."

Clayton said he told Wilbur about his decision at the end of Thursday's show.

Wilbur's contract will be paid out through the end of the year, Clayton said.

Wilbur had been on-air with the station since 1993, and most recently hosted a morning show.

Wilbur's show has been replaced by the nationally syndicated Laura Ingraham Show.

Clayton said the station is searching for "a talent that we think can go in there and perform better, ratings-wise. ... Hopefully we can find someone local."