The Southern Ontario/WNY Radio-TV Forum / Whatever Happened To CKOC's Mike Nabuurs?

**Posted by RadioActive** November 18, 2024 12:48 pm

I made a casual reference to Mike Nabuurs in a previous post, and it got me wondering whatever happened to him. He was with CKOC, Funny 820 and has been around the Hamilton airwaves for decades. But you haven't heard his voice in years.

According to his LinkedIn page, Nabuurs left the perilous waters of local radio for a more secure cushy government job, working for the City of Hamilton, where, one presumes ratings aren't an issue. Here's how he describes his job on his page, something he's been doing for nearly 4 years since has radio career ended.

"Creating messaging for a sitting City Councillor distributed through social media, direct mail (newsletters) and through the Councillor's website. Working closely with constituents to develop solutions for issues they were having. Crafting press releases and writing columns for local newspapers."

It ain't radio, but it's a lot more dependable.

**Posted by km93** November 18, 2024 1:13 pm

I'm surprised that Mike or any of the familiar voices from CKOC didn't return now that it's back.

**Posted by Radiowiz** November 18, 2024 1:41 pm

km93 wrote:
I'm surprised that Mike or any of the familiar voices from CKOC didn't return now that it's back.

What? As a hobby? I highly doubt the wages are anything close to what they once got.

**Posted by radiokid** November 18, 2024 3:01 pm

1150 back playing music is going to be a hard sell in 2024... It was a hard sell when Bell owned it before flipping to sports. Being part of a 2 station AM group, with a smaller sized owner, is not going to offer much for employees once the bills are paid. I would say Mike is better off enjoying his time away from the circus.

**Posted by Paul Jeffries** November 18, 2024 9:38 pm

I suspect, like a lot of people who have left radio, he's probably had his fill, too.

PJ

**Posted by km93** November 19, 2024 10:49 am

radiokid wrote:
1150 back playing music is going to be a hard sell in 2024... It was a hard sell when Bell owned it before flipping to sports. Being part of a 2 station AM group, with a smaller sized owner, is not going to offer much for employees once the bills are paid. I would say Mike is better off enjoying his time away from the circus.

True-I have yet to hear a single commercial on the station.

**Posted by Centerline** November 19, 2024 7:42 pm

Mike has also been the PA announcer at Hamilton Tiger-Cat games for over 10 years

**Posted by Hansa** November 19, 2024 9:35 pm

RadioActive wrote:
It ain't radio, but it's a lot more dependable.

A bit more but not much. Sounds like he's working for a city councillor which means if he's defeated or decides not to run again his staff loses their jobs. (Though often a good staffer can get a position with another city councillor if necessary)