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When CJRN's John Michael Got Fired - & Went On WGR To Talk About It
Some here will remember John Michael, the great talk show host who ruled the roost for many years at both CJRN and CKTB. His controversial show frequently got him in trouble and it eventually resulted in getting him fired from the Niagara Falls station. Though originally from England, he really was a Canadian original and did the kind of open line show rarely heard in those days.
In this article from veteran Buffalo author Steve Cichon (the same guy who literally wrote the book on Buffalo Broadcasting history), he not only remembers this local Southern Ontario pioneer, but has several generous samples of his show - including one from a memorable appearance after his dismissal that took place on John Otto's program on WGR-AM.
It was a very unusual situation to have one talk pioneer allow another on as a guest. To top it off, Michael was about to start a new gig at CKTB in St. Catharines and though Otto is remembered best as a late night host, both were going to be on at the exact same time in the mornings.
Cichon relates how he found the rare airchecks in a box while cleaning out Otto's desk soon after that veteran broadcaster passed away.
Love him or hate him - and he often engendered both emotions - for those who remember him, Michael was one of a kind in this part of Canada.
Niagara’s Talk Pioneer: John Michael, CKTB/St. Catharines & CJRN, Niagara Falls, Ontario
For a brief time in 1978, Michael also had a show on CHCH called Street Talk. It did not last long and I think he realized that radio was more his medium.
He eventually retired in Sept. 2003, promising to be back every now and then to do the occasional commentary. But whether it was health issues or something else, he never did return to the airwaves. He died in 2008.
John Michael's Obit
- paterson1
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Re: When CJRN's John Michael Got Fired - & Went On WGR To Talk About It
It's interesting the writer points out how much Southern Ontario radio, TV and general culture influenced Buffalo and area. We often get the impression from a few that it was a one way street where Buffalo radio and TV was always adored in the GTA but we hear nothing of the reverse. Seems that many in Western NY also enjoyed our TV kids shows and radio back in the day. I would bet that CHCH's Party Game even had a strong following in WNY during it's 13 year run!!
Steve Chicon points out that John Michael could have had as many listeners in Buffalo as in Canada and was very popular. The fact John was a guest on a WGR talk show and well known to the local US listeners confirms this.
Every time I have met people from WNY over the years they almost always made a point of telling me what Canadian radio stations they regularly listened to and what Canadian TV they enjoyed. Although more recently there has been frustration with less Toronto radio reaching Buffalo because of so many low power local signals that impede stations like Q107 coming in clearly any longer . Sound familiar?
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Re: When CJRN's John Michael Got Fired - & Went On WGR To Talk About It
John Michael used to get a lot of calls from across the border when he was on. You also have to remember that in those days, there were a lot fewer talk stations than there are now. And both CJRN and CKTB came in like locals. So he did have fans in Western New York. (And I think they had to pay long distance charges to call across the border, back in the pre-cell phone plan days.)
What's noteworthy to me is that he got those listeners despite talking mostly about Canadian issues and politics, which Americans generally have little interest in. It was the force of his personality and his sense of humour that attracted them. A very unique talent.
And, as he always used to say about Tonawanda, Lackawanna and Do-Ya-Wanna, remember when you're coming across the border, to close the door, because Buffalo leaks and we get all their snow.
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Thread Starter- mace
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Re: When CJRN's John Michael Got Fired - & Went On WGR To Talk About It
John also had no use for the several people who may have owned a Lada. His recommendation was for them to call Andy Barrie at CBC Toronto.
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Re: When CJRN's John Michael Got Fired - & Went On WGR To Talk About It
mace wrote:
John also had no use for the several people who may have owned a Lada. His recommendation was for them to call Andy Barrie at CBC Toronto.
You're right. I'd completely forgotten about that. One of the gags on his show was that you weren't allowed to listen if you drove a Lada.
I wish he was still around. I'd love to hear what he thinks about today's federal and provincial politics and the disaster in Ukraine.
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