Controversy over the ouster of popular talk radio show host Marc Steiner mounted Tuesday as agroup of loyal listeners vowed to continue to protest outside WYPR-FM, while rumors swirled the station will cancel its annual winter fundraising drive.

Steiner, who was let go Thursday after rejecting a $50,000 buy-out offer, criticized WYPR management?s contention that low ratings lead to the cancellation of his midday talk show.