juntwait_scandal

La Cieca has just heard the shocking, shocking! news that Margaret Juntwait will step down as host on Metropolitan Opera Radio. 

The announcer, who has starred on the hit opera show with Will Berger and Ira Siff since it began in 2002 – announced on social networking site Twitter: “With sadness in my heart, I’ve decided not to return to Met Radio.

“I’ll miss nurturing all the new talent, but most of all being a part of a show that I helped from day one become an international phenomenon.”

According to reports, negotiations broke down between Juntwait and Sirius when she asked for a raise from last year’s salary of $5 million. Co-host Siff has reportedly just signed a new contract for $45 million over the next three seasons.

Juntwait has often been criticized for her “erratic” behavior during the Met broadcasts, which last season included slurring her words on the air, uncontrollable giggling, and calling American soprano Renée Fleming  “that blonde chick who had all the work done.”

In last season’s broadcast series Will, Ira and Margaret were joined by new host Kara DioDigiuda, who is confirmed to return.

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