Paul Arcand wants to move forward

This is the end of an era. Paul Arkand, who has dominated the Morning Slot on Montreal Radio 98.5 FM for nearly twenty years, will relinquish the authority of his show in two years.

Also read: Host Paul Arkand will be leaving his radio show in two years

A man nicknamed “The King of the Airwaves” announced on Thursday morning that he would not renew his contract until the end of 2024.

“I want to go somewhere else in two years,” the host said after thanking his listeners for their loyalty and the “extraordinary” results of the latest Numeris poll published the day before.

“I like to tell you directly because it could be a leak or it could go wrong. I told my bosses that I wanted to complete my current contract, which meant running the Morning Show for two years. But I do not want to renew the deal and I do not want to extend my contract. “

However, the time has not yet come for Paul Arcand to retire. The 62-year-old host emphasized that he had made this long – thought-out decision to develop other projects, including documentaries: “I want to work, keep the microphone on, do what I like, do interviews. I do not know how that will change. But it’s not part of the Morning Show. I have a lot of ideas and I’m working on a series I can not talk about yet. “

• Listen to Gilles Prolix’s column at Richard Martino Microphone on QUB Radio:

Changing guard

With this announcement of departure in two years, a page will be turned in the history of Quebec radio. Paul Arkand has been hosting morning radio for 32 years. He started at CJMS in 1990, before moving to CKAC in 1994 and then to 98.5 FM in 2004. His performance Because you have to get up Has been topping listing polls for many years.

Paul Arcand’s early departure gives the leaders of 98.5 FM plenty of time to find the rare pearl of his formidable success. Morning man. In the immediate future, the station should also mention the replacement of Bernard Drainville, who recently abandoned the animation of his daily program. CAQ should return to politics under colors.

We are currently watching the change of guard on the radio of 98.5 FM. Paul Howe, another huge hitter at the station, announced last month Will host the final show on June 19 After seeing that Cogeco did not renew his contract. Elizabeth Crete will take his place next fall. Jacques Fabi has also confirmed that he will bow in a few weeks after being hosted on night radio for 45 years.