QUEBEC — A radio host in Quebec City is being taken off the air.

Robert Gillet, who was once the city's top morning man, was let go today after ratings showed him trailing behind his chief rival.

Gillet was making a comeback after being convicted of paying a 17-year-old girl for sex.

Gillet's station (CJMF-FM) dropped 19 per cent of its audience after he was hired, according to the most recent B-B-M Canada ratings.

Gillet returned to the station's morning program in September, almost two years after his arrest in a prostitution ring in 2002.

He apologized on air and promised to use his post to fight violence against women.

Gillet had served probation and community service for his conviction.

Gillet's on-air rivals had suggested his show's sponsors, advertisers and parent company would pay a price for his return.