Paul Arkand 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 step down from leading his show in two years.

Read more: Host Paul Arkand will leave his radio show in two years

He announced in a Thursday morning broadcast that he was not going to renew his contract when it expires in 2024.

“I want to do something different in two years,” the presenter said, thanking his audience for their loyalty and the “exceptional” results of the latest Numeris poll released the day before.

“I want to tell you directly because it could leak or go wrong. I told my bosses that I intend to end my current contract, which means running the morning show for two years. But I do not want to renew the contract and do not want to extend my contract.”

However, the time has not yet come for Paul Arkand to retire. The 62-year-old host stressed that he had made this long-considered decision to create other projects, including documentaries: “I want to work, I want to have a microphone, I want to do what I want, I want to do interviews,” he explained. I don’t know how that will change. But it will not be part of the morning show. I have a lot of ideas and I’m working on a series I can not talk about yet. “

Changing the guard

With the announcement of this departure in two years, Quebec is turning a page in radio history. Paul Arkand has hosted Morning Radio for 32 years. He started at CJMS in 1990, jumped to CKAC in 1994, and then advanced to 98.5 FM in 2004. His show Because you have to wake up Has been at the forefront of polls asking for years.

With Paul Arkand departing early, the 98.5 FM leaders have plenty of time to find the rare pearl that will give him his strongest hit. Morning man. In the immediate future, the station should be named in place of Bernard Trainville, who recently left the animation of his daily show. Return to politics under the colors of the CAQ.

We are currently watching the guard shift at 98.5 FM. Paul Howe, another heavy hitter at the resort, announced last month Will host its last show on June 19th After seeing that his contract was not renewed by Coca-Cola. Elizabeth the Great will replace him next fall. Jack Faby, who has hosted night radio for 45 years, has confirmed that he will be bowing in a few more weeks.