WTMJ's Charlie Sykes to leave daily radio show at end of 2016

MADISON — Conservative and influential Milwaukee talk radio host Charlie Sykes is leaving the air at the end of the year to focus on writing, including a new book titled "How the Right Lost Its Mind."

Sykes announced his retirement from the radio during his show Tuesday, October 4th on WTMJ-AM. Sykes has been an influential voice in Wisconsin conservative circles for more than two decades, but he drew national attention this year with his outspoken opposition to Donald Trump.

Sykes embarrassed Trump during a call-in interview before Wisconsin's primary when Trump admitted not knowing Sykes was a leader in the "#NeverTrump" movement in Wisconsin.

Sykes says he knows people will think his retirement is due to the rise of Trump, but he says he made the decision "a long time ago."