In what can only be described as a ballsy move, 600AM morning man Tom Jeffries quit on the spot last week, citing displeasure with management in the wake of what he felt was a clandestine search to find a new morning-show host to replace him.
"I left on a matter of principle," said Jeffries. "I bear no ill will to anyone and want to say thanks to the folks in the Vancouver market for providing me with a wild and intense radio experience since 1972."
Jeffries, who assumed the position of 600AM morning-show host in February 2001 following the untimely death of Rick Honey, had tired of hearing rumblings that several high-profile names -- including Fred Latremouille, Red Robinson and even Frosty Forst -- had been approached by management to take over the position. (The station is getting for the arrival of Rafe Mair next month.)
In an all-too rare demonstration of personal integrity, when the rumblings became deafening, Jeffries felt compelled to take a stand.
"My 35-plus years as a pro has taught me that, in the end, it's the people you work with and the audience you come to know and love that matters," he said. "Not all that other stuff that goes on in the boardrooms."
Coincidentally, Jeffries replacement is Bob Saye, who abruptly pulled the plug himself at ROCK 101 and similarly resigned, citing the direction the station was going in (read: toilet humour) was in conflict with his own personal Christian values.
Air Traffic has often pointed out, at its best, the radio business can be a wonderfully enriching life experience. At its worst, it really sucks!
- It's official: As we've been trumpeting for weeks, Jennifer Mather is the newest addition to the CKNW talk show lineup, taking over the afternoon slot created by Bill Good's move to Rafe Mair's former morning position.
Mather assumes the much-coveted gig on Aug. 25. Good move!
- Birthday wishes go to "Jolly" John Tanner on the occasion of his 60th. Tanner, who spent years behind the microphones of 73CKLG and CFOX during that stations previous incarnation as FM99, was feted with a bash at his North Burnaby Tanner Manor. A litany of local radio types, including Dave "Big Daddy" McCormick and the ever enigmatic "Captain Midnight" J.B. Shayne, were in attendance.
- Speaking of birthdays: Happy 36th to Z95 weekend DJ Chris Kalhoon. In addition to his duties at Z, CK continues to keep busy with freelance commercial voice work and acting gigs.
Most recently, he landed a small role as a beachside evangelist in the CBC Signature short winner, Heart of Flesh. As far as beachside evangelist roles go, we hear Kalhoon's is one of the best.
- Finally, proving the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, Adam Faux is now following in his father's radio footsteps. The 20-year- old Kwantlen College student -- and son of former CFOX and ROCK 101 jock and current CKNW talk show host Stirling Faux --is working as a board operator for the two Corus rock outlets. The younger Faux hopes to someday make the leap to the airwaves.
- Watch for the second annual Traffie Awards, which acknowledge the best and worst of Vancouver radio, later this month. joele@citytv.com
this is a cut and paste....only one is allowed per week...new regulations
on June 6/06 all bets are off
a special 6:06pm show will be performed here....bring your bibles.