Group Gives Vocal Support For “Doc”

More than 50 people lined the sidewalks on South Washington Street in front of the Clarke Broadcasting Sonora studios Wednesday evening to show vocal support for KKBN-FM radio personality Steve “Doc” Weldon, who was let go from his position as on-air personality and station program director this week.

The supporters solicited horn honks from passing motorists and waved picket signs saying “Honk 4 Doc,” “We Want Doc,” and “Home Spun is Why We Listen.”

The group was made up of listeners and fans as well as a number of local business owners who advertised on Doc´s morning show.

In a statement issued by station General Manager Larry England Wednesday, England said Weldon had known of the decision by station management since January, and was offered a position in the marketing department, which he turned down.

“We are very humbled by the place KKBN occupies in each of your lives and by the passion you have exhibited toward the departure of Steve “doc” Weldon,” England said in the statement.

Clarke Broadcasting owner H. Randolph Holder wrote in the same statement: “All I can do at this point is to assure you that the community service that Steve personified on-air is the same as we´ve lived for the past 15 years in Tuolumne and Calaveras counties and that we will continue to live up to no matter who´s behind the mic.”

The group of Weldon supporters were on the street for more than two hours.

Weldon is planning to stay in the area, operate a small hot dog business, and further his education to become a school teacher.