RadioActive wrote:

You don't have to like Oakley to enjoy his review of the stations he worked at, including CJOY (who knew?) and CJCL. Rarely does a radio host talk so much about the places on his resume.

A nice break from current events to a career recollection or memoir. It was a good listen.
I will note that John Moore took a shot at Oakley at 9:07 this morning without saying his name. Basically, "I don't introduce 5 or 6 topics at once and then take callers".

Hammy wrote:

Anyone have afternoon drive numbers head-to-head 640 vs 1010?

I posted the numbers earlier this year...... but I believe 640 dominates the entire day except for mornings. 

Last edited by torontostan (November 25, 2025 8:23 pm)

Enjoyed listening to the podcast of yesterday's show.  John had a lot of interesting stories about the people and places where he was employed over his long career.  Oakley is one of those personalities that had loyal listeners and people that enjoyed his unique style and humour.  I didn't listen to him that much in the afternoon but appreciated his consistent manner on the "human conditition" over the years.  John was equally comfortable speaking to the average listener who had never been on radio before or a well known personality or politician. He usually kept things light, and when there were disagreements never bitterness or anger toward the other side, usually a bit of humour.  

All the best Mr. Oakley, you and your show will be missed...  

RadioActive wrote:

The Toronto Sun's "Night Scrawler" Joe Warmington, who has been on Oakley's show countless times, returns the favour in a farewell column. 
 
Legendary AM 640 host John Oakley hangs up his mic

A valediction from Canada's worst living writer? What an honour.
 

RadioActive wrote:

The Toronto Sun's "Night Scrawler" Joe Warmington, who has been on Oakley's show countless times, returns the favour in a farewell column. 
 
Legendary AM 640 host John Oakley hangs up his mic

Can someone let Warmington know that Harry's last name is spelled Kopyto, and not Cupido?

RadioActive wrote:

He just confirmed he's been doing his final week of shows suffering from the flu. Tough way to wrap things up. 

Artist rendition.


 

Friday marks the end of Oakley's 46-year career (23 at Corus) and even if you're not fan, it's must hear radio to see how what his last words are. 

Among his final interviews: former regular Cam Stewart, the so-called "Raging Redhead" and one time frequent guest ex-Ontario Premier Ernie Eves.

Corus has yet to announce what happens next week, but I'm hoping they'll start letting listeners know who's taking his place before the weekend. 

There have been many guesses here about what's next. We should know if any of them are right soon.

Oakley listeners fondly remember C. Black Friday as a weekly guest, and are now looking forward to his column in tomorrow's Saturday National Post   

Oakley had a virtual army of 'regulars' that came on the show every week.  One by one, they disappeared with nary a mention.  I've always been curious as to the back-stories of all those vanishing acts.

Interesting take John had yesterday with Joe Warmington on 640 management decisions over the past few years. 


https://youtu.be/rrIMd3w_SuA

I listened to parts of his last show. Over and above all the remember when stories, it sounded like he was playing out the clock, letting people talk as much as they wanted just to use up time.
He was the last of the old school talk show host's. I hope he ends up on a podcast down the road

I'll miss the Oakley show.  Whoever replaces him will be a poor substitute, but I'll still tune in during that time, because the alternative on 1010 is virtually unlistenable.

In case anyone missed the crossover Friday at 2:55 Oakley said "relived it's over" and when Brad Smith followed up he added 'talking about another stabbing another shooting, what am I doing here?'.

I noticed they're still running Oakley-voiced commercials on AM640. (Guess Tom at Tom's Place and Frank Leo are safe for now!) I suppose this isn't that unusual - he was a known personality there and CFRB still runs spots voiced by Bill Carroll, who has been gone almost as long as when dinosaurs roamed the Earth. 

Still, you might think they'd get another voice to do those commercials if the guy is no longer associated with your station. 

Binson Echorec wrote:

RadioActive wrote:

I noticed they're still running Oakley-voiced commercials on AM640. (Guess Tom at Tom's Place and Frank Leo are safe for now!) I suppose this isn't that unusual - he was a known personality there and CFRB still runs spots voiced by Bill Carroll, who has been gone almost as long as when dinosaurs roamed the Earth. 

Still, you might think they'd get another voice to do those commercials if the guy is no longer associated with your station. 

Tom's Place and Frank Leo are paid endorsements, ie the client is paying for that particular personality.

Well in that case, they better find someone else, if they want up-to-date spots, because he won't be there to do any new copy from now on.