She’s a broadcast and publishing legend. She’s battled political correctness for years. Tonight, the incomparable Dr. Laura announced that she’s ending her daily radio talk show — in order to allow her to speak her mind more freely.

More power to her.

Via E News:

The longtime AM radio fixture says that she will pull the plug on The Dr. Laura Program at the end of the year, a week after repeatedly using the N-word while taking a call on the air from a black woman who wanted to discuss her interracial marriage.

The made the announcement during an appearance on Larry King Live.

Here’s her rationale:

“My contract is up for my radio show at the end of the year and I’ve made the decision not to do radio anymore,” Schlessinger told King, who also happens to be on his way out this year (for less incendiary reasons).

“The reason is I want to regain my First Amendment rights. I want to be able to say what’s on my mind and in my heart and what I think is helpful and useful without somebody getting angry, some special interest group deciding this is the time to silence a voice of dissent and attack affiliates, attack sponsors. I’m sort of done with that.”

She’s not retiring or quitting, she added, but rather, hopes to be “stronger and freer to say the things that I believe need to be said for people in this country.”

WaPo’s story is here.

Look forward to seeing and hearing more of her.

Go to her site and show your support at DrLaura.com.

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RadioEqualizer Brian Maloney wonders who’s next.