Dave Wheeler is returning to Winnipeg morning radio after being benched the last two years following controversial on-air remarks about transgender people as former host of 92 CITI FM’s Wheeler in the Morning.
Evanov Radio Group’s Energy 106 (CHWE-FM) Winnipeg has announced that Wheeler is joining the station’s morning show, alongside existing morning host Tyler Carr and new co-host Jasmin Laine, starting Monday, Aug. 31.
The CHR/Top 40 format is a departure for Wheeler, who had carved out an edgy on-air persona over the last decade and his time at Active Rock stations 106.1 The Goat (CKLM-FM) Lloydminster, and Power 97 (CJKR-FM) Winnipeg, in addition to Classic Rock-based 92 CITI.
“Dave is a huge name in local radio. He brings to Energy 106 his talent, his love for Winnipeg, and delivers a loyal audience like no one else can,” said Adam West, Energy 106 Program Director, in a release. “Dave’s a pro. We know what he can offer to our listeners, our advertisers, and our team. We expect big things and can’t wait to disrupt the Winnipeg radio market.”
“As our audience grows in size and breadth, Dave is the right person to anchor our team,” added West, noting that Wheeler “has worked hard” to put his controversial past behind him. “He’s a devoted fan of Winnipeg, its people, and the community. We are thrilled to have him on board.”
“I have done a lot of work on me. It’s profoundly personal when you take a deep look inside. I have put all of that in the ‘rear-view,'” said Wheeler. “I’m pumped about being back on Winnipeg radio and working with the outstanding people at Energy 106. My wife and I love this city; it’s our home. Winnipeg is an incredible place to belong to and we want to raise our boys here so they can have that same experience.”
Since Wheeler’s release from 92 CITI FM in July 2018, he and wife Candace Rae have been hosting daily podcast, Wheeler in The Morning with Dave, Candace Rae & The Jaguar.
In addition to filing a wrongful dismissal suit against Rogers Sports & Media, his former employer, he also ran unsuccessfully as an independent in the newly-established riding of McPhillips in the 2019 Manitoba provincial election.
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