Wendy Bell taken off the air by KDKA Radio

KDKA Radio has taken controversial afternoon talk show host Wendy Bell off the air, effective immediately, after comments she made advocating for park rangers to “shoot on sight” people defacing public monuments.

A statement on the station’s website from its owner, Entercom Communications, stated her afternoon drive show has been removed from its airwaves until further notice.

“Entercom is the home to thousands of voices representing Americans of all races, ethnicities, gender identity, sexual orientation, beliefs and ability,” the statement read.

“Members of our community have recently brought to our attention comments made by Wendy Bell that do not align with Entercom’s values. Wendy has been taken off the air until further notice.”

Wendy Bell has been taken off the air at KDKA Radio. https://t.co/WFE2xCjsLy

— Newsradio 1020 KDKA (@KDKARadio) September 4, 2020

In a video recorded June 26 during her live radio show, Bell looks into the camera and says: “My easy solution for the park rangers and hopefully snipers who are going to be watching for this is to shoot on sight.” Bell then mimics the sound of a gunshot. “Shoot! Done! No more messing with monuments. You want to mess with a monument? Done! Get out!”

Though the video was recorded more than two months ago, a clip from it went viral this week.

In another video shot at night, Bell is seen standing on a dark street as she addresses Black Lives Matter protesters.

“Hey — news flash, protesters. Get out! Go somewhere else, OK? Because you’ve worn out your welcome,” Bell said. “And by the way, the silent majority is pissed and they are armed and they are ready. So, don’t muck with us.”

There has been negative reaction to Bell’s comments on social media, and at least one advertiser has pulled its commercials from her show. Breadworks Bakery posted on Facebook on Thursday that it was “shocked and saddened” by her comments.

“Breadworks does not condone violence. This is why we will not be advertising on her show any longer.”

Also, KDKA-TV has been inundated with complaints about Bell, even though the television station and radio station are owned by separate companies.

Earlier this week, KDKA-TV was compelled to issue a statement on its social media platforms.

“KDKA TV would like to remind our viewers and readers that Wendy Bell does not work for KDKA-TV, a ViacomCBS owned station,” the television station said. “Bell works for KDKA Radio, which is owned by Entercom Communications radio group. Please direct all comments and inquiries to KDKA Radio, 412-353-1300.”

Bell, an award-winning broadcaster for 18 years at WTAE-TV, was fired by the station in March 2016 for a post on her official Facebook page made after a mass shooting in Wilkinsburg. Before police had made any arrests in the case, Bell wrote, “You needn’t be a criminal profiler to draw a mental sketch of the killers who broke so many hearts two weeks ago Wednesday. … They are young black men, likely in their teens or early 20s. They have multiple siblings from multiple fathers and their mothers work multiple jobs.”

Bell’s show is not currently listed on KDKA’s website, and the station is not saying when or if she will return to the airwaves.

Bell could not immediately be reached for comment.

Calls and emails requesting comment from KDKA radio program director Jim Graci were not immediately returned.