Radio host Kid Carson leaving Z95.3 after spreading conspiracy theories on air
Vancouver radio station Z95.3 and Kid Carson have made a "mutual decision to part ways," hours after the morning show DJ spouted conspiracy theories during an on-air rant about the Freedom Convoy protest.
The Kid Carson Show host addressed the ongoing demonstration in Ottawa Wednesday morning, telling listeners who believe reports of racism within the movement they have been "fooled."
"This isn't about race or health or Nazi flags or masks, it's about trying to keep our children off a digital ID that will control every aspect of their lives," he said.
Carson also accused the news media of lying about the protest, and suggested they were doing so on behalf of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. He did not respond to an interview request from CTV News.
On Wednesday afternoon, Stingray, which owns Z95.3, confirmed Carson will no longer be hosting the station's morning show because of his conduct.
"We respect that he has a right to his opinions, but he does not have a right to broadcast misleading or inaccurate opinions and label them as facts," Devon Tschritter, general manager of Stingray Vancouver, said in a social media statement.
Those comments were echoed by Steve Jones, Stingray's vice-president of brands and content.
"The lifestyle music-driven format of a station like Z95.3 isn't the ideal forum for divisive political discourse," Jones told CTV News in an email.
Jones said the company does support on-air hosts expressing opinions that are "fact-based," however.
Carson's rant prompted a wave of social media responses, many of which were critical of the host using his platform to spread misinformation during the pandemic.
"I'll be waiting to hear from Larry and Willy before making any medical decisions," one Reddit user joked, referencing another local radio show that has been off the air for years.
A number of commenters also said they would be contacting the station to express their concerns about his behaviour.
Carson did not provide evidence for any of his claims, but said he had done his "own research," a common refrain among people who are opposed to vaccines and vaccine mandates.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Half of Canadians have negative opinion of latest Liberal budget: poll
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
Twins from Toronto were Canada's top two female finishers at this year's Boston Marathon
When identical twin sisters Kim and Michelle Krezonoski were invited to compete against some of the world’s most elite female runners at last week’s Boston Marathon, they were in disbelief.
Senate expenses climbed to $7.2 million in 2023, up nearly 30%
Senators in Canada claimed $7.2 million in expenses in 2023, a nearly 30 per cent increase over the previous year.
NASA hears from Voyager 1, the most distant spacecraft from Earth, after months of quiet
NASA has finally heard back from Voyager 1 again in a way that makes sense. The most distant spacecraft from Earth hadn't sent home any understandable data since last November.
U.S. Senate passes bill forcing TikTok's parent company to sell or face ban, sends to Biden for signature
The Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would force TikTok's China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move by U.S. lawmakers that's expected to face legal challenges.
Train derailed in Sarnia after colliding with a truck
Police are investigating after a transport truck collided with a train in Sarnia.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.