Vancouver-based Corus Entertainment radio station, CKNW News Talk 980, has revealed a new host lineup that will enable the station to talk and listen to a new and more diverse audience.
To spearhead the shift to target a broader demographic, CKNW has taken the opportunity following the retirement of two prominent hosts to introduce a new lineup of socially connected personalities. These hosts share the common belief that Vancouver is the greatest city in the world and that stories need to be shared and discussed from a local perspective.
Effective September 2, 2014, the new host line up on CKNW is as follows:
Jon McComb – 5:30 am to 10 am Weekdays – Jon McComb is the most credible news voice in Vancouver radio. With more than 30 years on CKNW, he brings his unique perspective to morning radio for the first time. Jon’s award winning experience and continuity will set the tone for CKNW’s new vision.
Simi Sara – 10 am to 2 pm Weekdays – The 2013 Webster Award Commentator of the Year, Simi Sara’s passion for storytelling and openness to listen to differing opinions is what will define her role in the CKNW lineup.
Mike Eckford – 2 pm to 6 pm Weekdays – Mike Eckford came to the CKNW family with more than 10 years television experience on Urban Rush. Afternoon Drive will be a daily adventure as Mike injects his strongly opinionated stance on virtually every topic.
Drex – 6 pm to 10 pm Weekdays – A new voice from down under, Justin ‘Drex’ Wilcomes brings an edge to the CKNW radio lineup as he is clearly not afraid to push boundaries. With a previous broadcaster Drex challenged the Premier and lost his job but was quickly hired by Corus Radio. One of Vancouver’s most active social media personalities, Drex will continue his irreverence on CKNW.
“Coast to Coast” with George Noory – 10 pm to 5 am – The host of the #1 listened to overnight radio show in North America that digs regularly into strange occurrences and unexplained phenomena, George Noory is fascinated by things that go beyond the norm, and is able to consistently bring differing perspectives to a wide range of topics.
“Reality Check” with Bruce Allen – Daily Commentary – Managing Bryan Adams and Michael Buble, Bruce Allen has been a leader in the Canadian entertainment industry for more than 30 years. His unabashed daily opinions are unique to CKNW and agree with him or not, he will force you to take a stand.
“This is definitely a new chapter in the history of this great radio station CKNW,” comments Ian Koenigsfest, Brand Director AM Programming at Corus Radio Vancouver. “Our station has long had the most outspoken, engaging hosts in Canada. This new lineup carries on with that tradition, but at the same time recognizes that how people get their news and voice their opinions has changed fundamentally even in the past few years. Today’s audience gets their news on their digital devices – and CKNW needs to be there.
“Social networks have replaced the phone board – and this new host lineup thrives in that world,” Koenigsfest adds. “We are becoming more than just your parent’s radio station.”
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