Sen. Jim Dabakis' media profile is getting a little smaller now that he's officially in the race for Salt Lake City Mayor.
Dabakis is no longer co-host of Channel 4's "Together 4 Utah" show which airs Sunday mornings. Former GOP Chair Thomas Wright will continue as the solo host of the program.
In a response to an email question from UtahPolicy.com, ABC 4 News Director George Severson replied "It is the policy of our stations and that of our parent company, Nexstar, that anyone performing the role of an anchor, reporter, host or any on-air personality for that matter or a station manager who makes editorial decision, must step down from their position and role at the station. In Jim’s case, we also felt it appropriate for him to not continue in any contributing role whatsoever, so he is no longer a host, a producer or a consultant to the production in any way."
Severson says they are searching for a permanent co-host to replace Dabakis.
For now, Dabakis is continuing as part of another program – KCPW radio's "Both Sides of the Aisle." He was a co-host on this week's episode.
KCPW Interim Station Manager tells UtahPolicy.com that they are currently "in the process of exploring options" when it comes to Dabakis' involvement with the program, but have not come to a decision.
Previously, Dabakis approached public station KRCL hoping to start a daily one-hour radio show, but was rebuffed because station management did not feel comfortable with the arrangement.
