Popular and controversial radio host Don Imus will be back on southern Maine’s airwaves beginning Jan. 21.

The “Imus in the Morning" program will air weekdays on WBAE (1490 AM) and WVAE (1400 AM) from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., the stations announced Thursday. The stations, known collectively as “The Bay,” both air the "Songs You Remember" format with music from the 1950s through 1980s.

Before being fired by CBS radio last April for using a racial slur on air, Imus’ nationally syndicated show had been heard for 15 years on Portland station WZAN (970 AM), a news talk station.

WZAN replaced Imus with the syndicated “Bob and Tom” show, which is still airing in Portland. WZAN, WBAE and WVAE are all part of the Portland Radio Group, owned by Saga Communications. Cary Pahigian, president of the Portland Radio Group, said putting Imus back on the air is a response to the “many fans in southern Maine” who requested his return.

Imus is now syndicated by Citadel Broadcasting Corp., and that company began airing his show on stations in larger markets, such as New York and Boston, in December.

Pahigian said "Bob and Tom" are "doing great" on WZAN, so that's why Imus is returning on The Bay stations instead of on WZAN.