Former Charlotte Mayor Patrick Cannon hosts radio show after prison

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Former Charlotte Mayor Patrick Cannon will be coming back into the spotlight as a radio host on Old School 105.3 FM.

Cannon will host a show called "At The Table with Cannon," a new public affairs program that will focus on topics, including community impact, church and business. The show will make its debut on Saturday.

The promo for the show hit the airwaves Wednesday and it's the first time that Charlotte residents are hearing the former mayor's voice since he served federal prison time.

(Click PLAY to listen to the radio promo for Cannon's new show)

"I am delighted that Pat Cannon is returning to Old School 105.3," program director Mary K. said. "In getting to know Mr. Cannon, I have found that he has a passion for this community."

[TIMELINE: Patrick Cannon]

Cannon spent nearly two years in federal prison in West Virginia after he pleaded guilty to taking bribes from undercover FBI agents while he was the mayor of Charlotte. He was released from federal prison in September 2016 and was placed on house arrest until January 2017.

Channel 9's coverage on Cannon's corruption scandal:

Doug James, the general manager of the radio group that runs 105.3 said talks about the radio show have been going on for the past several months. Cannon stayed in touch with people at the radio station ever since he hosted a show years ago.

"I met with him several times before. I think we all got to the point where we were comfortable that we were going to move forward with the show," James said.

The show will take live callers, including some people who may be critical of the mayor whose downfall brought a black eye to the city of Charlotte.

"We understand there could be some controversy there but bottom line is we think it's really important for us as a company," James said.

"He's definitely going to get pushback," said resident Catania Kincaid. "Everybody got their faults and everything. You can't judge nobody."

City Councilmember Greg Phipps said he's eager to see this next step for Cannon.

"It's an opportunity, another voice for the community to discuss issues of the day so he is getting back in the mix and getting his life back on track and see how it goes," Phipps said.

The show will be live from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Saturdays.

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