Outspoken radio show host Tyrone Powers has filed notice with the state that he intends to sue Gov. Martin O?Malley for $88.9 million for abridging “his freedom of speech.”
Powers? attorney Jimmy Bell sent a two-page letter of intent to the State Treasurer Nancy Kopp Tuesday. Powers, the former FBI agent and host of The Powers Report on Morgan State University?s WEAA-88.9 FM, claims the station manager canceled his show because the governor wanted it “pulled off the air.”
O?Malley spokesman Rick Abruzzese declined to comment on Powers? allegations.
Powers said at a Tuesday rally that his views and politics led to the cancellation. The Powers Report, which aired Tuesdays, often criticized O?Malley?s administration policies.
“We are saving people?s lives by speaking the truth about the problems of this city,” he said. “This is not about me, this is about the community, and we cannot let them run us out of here,” he said.
Bell said that they are also asking for outside help in the letter.
“We need an outside agency to look into this, and decide if laws have been violated,” Bell said.
Protesters gathered just outside Morgan?s campus to support Powers? cause.
“This is definitely censorship,” alumnus Troy Williams said. “The show should be back on the air.”
But armed guards met the group as they marched to the university?s administration building. Powers entered the building but the protesters were denied admittance.
Talk show host Ed Norris of 105.7 FREE FM, who attended protest, said he could empathize with Powers.
“When my show first went on the air,” the former Baltimore police commissioner said, “the mayor?s [O?Malley?s] people told me they would be taping it.”
A spokesman for Morgan could not be reached by press time.
