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March 4, 2024 6:30 pm  #1


Isn't It Long Past Time For CFRB To Find A Permanent Aft. Show Host?

It's been at least since last December that Reshmi Nair all but disappeared from the CFRB airwaves and the afternoon show "The Rush." (She was heard on a real estate agent spot for a while after that, but those are no longer running.)

There's been lots of speculation about what happened to her and why she's no longer on the air, but as is Bell Media's M.O., there's never been a word about it. 

If they're trying to protect her for some reason, fair enough. But it's now been almost four months that someone - usually Deb Hutton - has been what she calls a "guest co-host" on the show. What, exactly, is the delay? There are a ton of people out there looking for work and afternoon drive on CFRB, even with its shrinking ratings, is still a prime position.

I can't believe it's taking them this long to fill such an important shift. If they want Deb Hutton to be permanent, then say so. If not, name a fulltime replacement. I've never seen such a plumb position go unfilled for so long with so little explanation or a new hire. 

But apparently, where CFRB is concerned, there's no "Rush." 

 

March 4, 2024 6:44 pm  #2


Re: Isn't It Long Past Time For CFRB To Find A Permanent Aft. Show Host?

Given how long other hosts said they were “filling in” for her and how long she stayed on the website, this was probably not a clean exit. They couldn’t start looking for a replacement until her exit was fully complete.

Last edited by RadioAaron (March 4, 2024 6:44 pm)

 

March 4, 2024 6:47 pm  #3


Re: Isn't It Long Past Time For CFRB To Find A Permanent Aft. Show Host?

Bell does not care about radio anymore ?

 

March 4, 2024 7:53 pm  #4


Re: Isn't It Long Past Time For CFRB To Find A Permanent Aft. Show Host?

RadioAaron wrote:

Given how long other hosts said they were “filling in” for her and how long she stayed on the website, this was probably not a clean exit. They couldn’t start looking for a replacement until her exit was fully complete.

OK, let's say that's true. There's nothing to stop them from hiring another "guest host" they really want to be permanent and then naming that person as the new Rush replacement when the time comes. That would give the audience plenty of time to get used to the new person, while only having them as a "guest" for now. 

     Thread Starter
 

March 4, 2024 7:59 pm  #5


Re: Isn't It Long Past Time For CFRB To Find A Permanent Aft. Show Host?

RadioActive wrote:

RadioAaron wrote:

Given how long other hosts said they were “filling in” for her and how long she stayed on the website, this was probably not a clean exit. They couldn’t start looking for a replacement until her exit was fully complete.

OK, let's say that's true. There's nothing to stop them from hiring another "guest host" they really want to be permanent and then naming that person as the new Rush replacement when the time comes. That would give the audience plenty of time to get used to the new person, while only having them as a "guest" for now. 

You're not going to get great candidates that way.

We don't know what happened, but there is always the possibility of Bell corporate HR saying "No, you can't fire her."

Best wait and do an honest hire to get the best possible result.

Economically, they'd be best to move Overdrive and Bell's half of the Leafs games to 1010 and shut down 1050. At this point the difference between a great or a mediocre afternoon host is +/- half a share point.
 

 

March 5, 2024 2:50 am  #6


Re: Isn't It Long Past Time For CFRB To Find A Permanent Aft. Show Host?

RadioAaron wrote:

Economically, they'd be best to move Overdrive and Bell's half of the Leafs games to 1010 and shut down 1050. At this point the difference between a great or a mediocre afternoon host is +/- half a share point.
 

I think the main purpose of keeping the lights on @ 1050 is so there is a spare home in the event that sports spill over and air at the same time.  


RadioWiz & RadioQuiz are NOT the same person. 
RadioWiz & THE Wiz are NOT the same person.

 
 

March 5, 2024 6:56 am  #7


Re: Isn't It Long Past Time For CFRB To Find A Permanent Aft. Show Host?

Not sure Bell cares about a 1% share station!!
99% of radio listeners don't care either.

 

March 5, 2024 9:28 am  #8


Re: Isn't It Long Past Time For CFRB To Find A Permanent Aft. Show Host?

It doesn't matter who they throw into that slot.  Barbara Frum herself couldn't bring The Resh back from the scrap heap.

 

March 5, 2024 8:43 pm  #9


Re: Isn't It Long Past Time For CFRB To Find A Permanent Aft. Show Host?

Some afternoons it's the duo of Richard Crouse and Christine Cardoso, sometimes it's Deb Hutton and Teddy Wilson, no matter who's filling in/ guest hosting, they're accompanied by a new traffic reporter who doesn't really have a voice for radio.

CP24 is an interesting choice as an interim talent pool. However 1O10 and CP24 didn't mention anything about the guest host appearances by Christine and Teddy on Twitter and Teddy didn't post about it which was.... unusual? not terribly positive.


I think listeners are going to have to live in limbo until early/mid April.

Last edited by betaylored (March 5, 2024 9:09 pm)

 

March 5, 2024 8:49 pm  #10


Re: Isn't It Long Past Time For CFRB To Find A Permanent Aft. Show Host?

This period of "Rush" instability is the time Oakley & Co. on AM640 should be cementing in a loyal audience, thanks to consistency, if nothing else.

But his show seems to have deteriorated into a jokey back and forth with his producer and some of the better guests and segments he used to have are long gone. They're squandering a chance to pick up ears while CFRB fiddles with their afternoon show. Shame. 

     Thread Starter
 

March 6, 2024 11:10 am  #11


Re: Isn't It Long Past Time For CFRB To Find A Permanent Aft. Show Host?

I love the Oakley show as it steps away from the misery radio format that talk radio in Toronto has become . Talk radio should not only be informative but entertaining. It has forgotten the entertaining part. So that "jokey" bit personally is much more attractive than  constant banging on about Toronto's problems and what a jerk Trudeau is .

 

March 6, 2024 11:51 am  #12


Re: Isn't It Long Past Time For CFRB To Find A Permanent Aft. Show Host?

Stinand wrote:

I love the Oakley show as it steps away from the misery radio format that talk radio in Toronto has become . Talk radio should not only be informative but entertaining. It has forgotten the entertaining part. So that "jokey" bit personally is much more attractive than  constant banging on about Toronto's problems and what a jerk Trudeau is .

He still manages to fit those topics in, amongst the chuckling and guffaws.  Oakley's audience is nothing, if not loyal.
 

 

March 7, 2024 7:09 am  #13


Re: Isn't It Long Past Time For CFRB To Find A Permanent Aft. Show Host?

"They're squandering a chance to pick up ears while CFRB fiddles with their afternoon show."  There are not many ears at 1010 these days.

Last edited by peter (March 7, 2024 7:10 am)

 

March 7, 2024 7:21 am  #14


Re: Isn't It Long Past Time For CFRB To Find A Permanent Aft. Show Host?

I am also a big fan of the John Oakley show.  Although funny at times, a good laugh is always good at times, but he can also be serious.