We told ya so! From the lovely Reliable Source today:

Mark Kaye knew things were getting sticky in contract talks, but he didn’t know it would come to this. On Wednesday, the suits at Clear Channel told him and partner Kris Gamble that their popular 99.5 FM “Hot Morning Mess” show was no more.

Kaye and program director Jeff Kapugi gave the same explanation: “It’s a business decision.” Which is to say, it’s all about money. The duo took the station from No. 11 to No. 1 among young female listeners since starting in ‘01 — which means they were due for a raise, Kaye told our colleague Paul Farhi. “I imagine they figured the new guy [ Kane , a deejay outta Tampa] would be more cost-effective. You know, one salary instead of two.”

Many listeners thought Kaye, 32, and Gamble, 38, were married, on account of their on-air chemistry. They’re not, though they plan to stay a team wherever they land next. It’s a delicate time for both: Kaye and his wife just had a baby; Gamble just had back surgery. “I’m not angry, I’m not bitter,” said Kaye — but they will greet their fans at a Starbucks near WIHT’s Rockville studio this morning.