The Southern Ontario/WNY Radio-TV Forum / When Radio Stations Made A Big Deal Out Of Long Weekends

**Posted by RadioActive** May 19, 2025 7:04 am

As I turned on the endless rerolls Victoria Day Monday looking for something original to listen to, it struck me it's another thing that's changed in local radio.

I well remember that when a holiday weekend came a few times a year, many Toronto radio stations would go all out on making them "special" for listeners. CHUM would do an all oldies weekend, while others might have their own special promotions to mark the day and drive tune-in. Many would do a special countdown of some kind.

Today, there aren't any that even bother bringing in on-air staff to note the day. Other than Boom 97.3, which sometimes does an "All 80s Weekend" or an "All Canadian Weekend" on July 1st, it's almost like most places have simply given up. It's as though radio has taken a day off with the rest of us.

It's because the economics don't make sense anymore, of course. There are simply too many other choices around for you to choose to make it worth their while. (And because radio is federally regulated, the stat demands overtime for anyone they bring in, so that's not going to happen.)

Here's an example from May 24, 1965, with CHUM making a long weekend special.

Now some of us just wait for radio to get back to normal the next day. But it sure made the medium more interesting.

Chart courtesy CHUM Tribute Site

**Posted by mace** May 19, 2025 7:52 am

97ROCK in Buffalo still does Memorial Day weekend top 500 countdown every year.

**Posted by RadioActive** May 19, 2025 7:52 am

Speaking of Victoria Day, I believe this is the only Top 40 hit about Queen Victoria. It's from the Kinks and only reached #62 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1969. It's a very weird song, but it seems only appropriate to note it on this day.

If only there was a station doing live programming that could play it and explain its significance! It would at least have made some good bumper music.

**Posted by RadioActive** May 19, 2025 7:56 am

mace wrote:
97ROCK in Buffalo still does Memorial Day weekend top 500 countdown every year.

And if I recall correctly, CKOC used to do the annual Big 500 countdown every Labour Day. Just before they went to the ill-fated all sports format, I think they did it for the final time. Another radio holiday weekend tradition now long gone.

**Posted by mic'em** May 19, 2025 8:21 am

Kiss 105.3 Sudbury is doing an 8 hour throwback today in honour of the day.

**Posted by RadioActive** May 19, 2025 8:26 am

Good for them. Stunting on a day off won't make a lot of difference, but I'll bet there are some listeners who appreciate the effort.

**Posted by RadioActive** May 19, 2025 9:40 am

Have to give credit to the Fan for doing live programming on Monday morning, especially given what happened last night. The Leaf loss almost cries out for a discussion and/or callers and 590 was talking about recriminations and what comes next. It would be ridiculous for them to have the U.S. Infinity Sports feed, since hockey is all most Toronto sports fans are reluctantly thinking about on Victoria Day.

And there's no way they could air a reroll and still have it matter.

Meanwhile, TSN 1050 didn't get the memo - they've got generic ESPN Radio, and all they're talking about is the NBA playoffs, which I'm guessing isn't high on the list of interests for Toronto fans right now.

A tale of two sports stations in the same city - one that got it right and the other that missed the boat.

**Posted by paterson1** May 19, 2025 10:25 am

Most of the radio stations in cottage country still make a big deal out of May 24 weekend with special programming like countdowns and live reports from events and businesses.

**Posted by paterson1** May 19, 2025 10:38 am

CHUM tended to make all summer weekends special with countdowns and contests. From the CHUM Chart June 1 1964 the ad promoting the whole season ahead. Notice the interesting claim about having Toronto's most listened to morning show...

Last edited by paterson1 (May 19, 2025 10:39 am)

**Posted by mace** May 19, 2025 10:53 am

paterson1 wrote:
CHUM tended to make all summer weekends special with countdowns and contests. From the CHUM Chart June 1 1964 the ad promoting the whole season ahead. Notice the interesting claim about having Toronto's most listened to morning show...

Perhaps Wally was sick or on vacation.

**Posted by newsguy1** May 19, 2025 12:00 pm

Personally I can't get enough of Pete Bethenvalvy discussing the budget with Deb Hutton from last Thursday.
(on a side note I once thought the finance minister was a woman named Beth Anne Falvey.)

**Posted by fyshtalk** May 20, 2025 11:26 am

Is it just me, or is it as if radio stations don't even try anymore ?
Yes, long weekends were a big deal back in the day . There were top 500 Countdowns ..remote broadcasts and everyone was " live". Now, it just seems way to easy to throw a switch and simulcast some useless dull drivel just to fill the airwaves. Good on the stations in cottage country who continue to realize that "local" is their bread and butter. Kudos to the Fan 590 for going "live" the day after the Leafs debacle giving fans a place to vent. Shame on 1050 for running some American based programming that appeals to practically no one. Have you checked 1050's numbers? I am amazed they are still on the air . Shouldn't those in charge be reminded of the old adages....find a need and fill it..and.. when the going gets tough..the tough get going? I may be old school but there was a time when radio was almost a calling..not just a job. I know Program Directors and News Directors argue and complain that they don't have the staff. Then maybe it is time to find a new way of doing things. I used to work with a Morning Man in a major market who "volunteered" to come in to work Christmas Morning. His show was top rated but he came in..played Christmas music...took calls and made it into a real party...a must listen . Where is that dedication these days? You can argue that management doesn't give a %%$#$ but I would hate to see stations go down without a fight. Again ,most of the onus is on Management..agreed...but it is time Program and News Directors step in and make an honest effort.

Last edited by fyshtalk (May 21, 2025 10:04 am)