A Vancouver rock radio station has switched formats, and based on comments shared online, listeners aren’t too pleased.
What used to be Sonic 104.9 is now KISS Throwbacks. So instead of hearing “Walking with a Ghost” by Tegan and Sara, you might be hearing “Informer” by Snow.
“Listen to KiSS Throwbacks for all the hits of the 90s and 2000s. Make the SWITCH for your chance to win $10,000,” Sonic said on Facebook.
Along with the format flip comes the return of on-air personality Jonny Staub. Staub was a hugely popular host at 94.5 Virgin Radio before stepping away from the mic in February 2022 to pursue other opportunities outside the radio industry.
Staub posted the update on Facebook, stating that he has taken his headphones and mic out of retirement.
“We’re playing throwback music from the 2000s, the 1990s, all the stuff you know, all the stuff you love.”
Staub revealed another surprise in his video, relating to another iconic Canadian music personality: Rick Campanelli will be hosting the morning show from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. Staub will be on air from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
“To come back to radio, it required a lot,” Staub revealed, adding that he’s still a full-time firefighter and has no plans to leave that role, “ever.”
Staub said the flexibility of the new role was what led him to accept the job at the Vancouver radio station. He’s hosting this week from Mexico.
Kiss Throwbacks will be on 104.9 in Vancouver, 107.5 in Chilliwack, and 92.5 in Abbotsford.
Not everyone is stoked about the change.
In response to the format change post, someone quipped, “Didn’t you guys learn anything from The Peak?”
“Ughhh why? We have enough pop radio stations in Vancouver,” another commenter said.
It has been quite an eventful week for the entire Vancouver radio landscape. Significant changes came to the World Famous CFOX as Jeremy Baker returned to the station as the drive-time host, replacing Tyler & Lynch.
What are your thoughts on these changes at 104.9?
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