Hott 107.5 chief executive officer Elroy Smith is selling up and walking away from the "voice of Bermuda" station.

Philadelphia-based Mr. Smith said he now wants to set up similar projects in the US following the success of Hott, which broke the mould of Bermuda broadcasting when it was set up in 2004.

He will finalise his departure by mid-January and expects the likes of Progressive Labour Party Senator/disc jockey Thaao Dill to ensure Hott's progress can continue smoothly.

"This doesn't really change anything. I am passing the baton. The blueprint has been laid out. I have operators that can continue the tradition," Mr. Smith told The Royal Gazette.

Mr. Smith, a Bermudian with years of broadcasting experience in the States, started Hott as an alternative to the traditionally more conservative offerings from Bermuda Broadcasting Company.

Hott's talk shows were initially considered over-the-top by many because of their "anything goes" nature but have become increasingly influential as the format has grown in popularity.

"We revolutionised radio," said Mr. Smith, who likened Hott to a CNN with music.

"We had these talk discussions in the morning. Four years ago Bermuda was not used to this form of radio. People called every day complaining, but I said to Thaao and my team to continue on doing it.

"As time went on, it grew and grew and grew and grew. People would say: 'I just love what you guys are doing; I love the vibe of the radio station'.

"There's nothing you can't talk about on 107.5 — Bermuda now has the platform. It's a rarity that I get complaints now."

Mr. Smith paid tribute to fellow Hott bosses Glenn Blakeney and Scott Pearman, as well as Sen. Dill.

"If you want to run into someone that's proud — I'm proud of what Bermuda has allowed me to build. It's a station that pretty much is the voice of Bermuda," he said.