Booker is out at Q102

Chris Booker is out as morning host at Q102 as the Clear Channel station moves to a show that's more music-intensive.

The station also confirmed that producer Blaire Galaton and sidekick Angi Taylor also were let go. Sidekick Diego Ramos - a 16-year Q102 veteran - will remain at the station, but the show will not carry his name.

Booker this morning said he was "surprised. Very, very surprised. It's a very successful show. I've been fired before for low ratings, but never for being No. 1."

In the April Arbitron ratings released Wednesday, Booker had the largest cumulative audience among both women ages 18 to 34 and men-women ages 18 to 34, though rival station B101 was tops in terms of audience share.

Booker's show was fourth in audience share among all listeners ages 18-34 while his weekly cumulative audience among 18-34s - estimated at 150,000 - was No. 1, higher than even market leader Preston & Steve on WMMR (93.3).

Booker, who joined the station two years and has a year left on his contract, was informed after today's show.

Booker now will have more time to spend with girlfriend Alycia Lane, also out of work.