Alumni of Halifax’s Q104 (CFRQ-FM) have a saying, like the Eagles’ Hotel California, “You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave.”
That rings true for its two newest hires, veteran market talent JC Douglas and Jamie Paterson, who return to the station after gaps of 11 and 21 years, respectively.
Paterson, who was most recently heard in mornings on MBS’ 89.9 The Wave (CHNS-FM), is the new host of weekends on Q104. Paterson was formerly part of the “Q Morning Crew,” and in fact, married his former Q104 co-host Lisa Blackburn, now in her second term on Halifax Regional Council. He replaces Neil Spence, who is pursuing opportunities outside the industry.
Douglas spent the first 28 years of his broadcast career at Q104, serving as Program Director up until 2013. Following a management shuffle at Stingray, Douglas later surfaced at Bell Media’s C100 (CIOO-FM) in mornings, and has more recently been heard on 89.9 The Wave in afternoons. He’ll be heard helming network evening show “Rock of the Atlantic,” which airs on Stingray’s rock stations across Atlantic Canada.
Current evening host Dominik Diamond, who is also on his second run with Stingray Halifax, moves into the morning time slot on 89.9 The Wave.
Dan Barton, Director of Programming for the Maritimes for Stingray, said bringing Paterson and Douglas back to the highly-rated heritage station is a nod to the iconic rock brand’s enduring consistency.
“We’re incredibly fortunate to have these two talents coming back to Q104,” Barton told Broadcast Dialogue. “We have the only brand in Halifax that has been consistent for over 40 years, and having JC and Jamie return to the fold is like taking the band back out on the road with the original lineup – it’s an appreciation for the heritage of the Mighty Q.”
Paterson and Douglas re-join other long serving announcers, including midday host Anna Zee, and afternoon drive host Tom Bedell, who have both been with the station for more than 25 years.
In Numeris’ spring diary ratings release, Q104 earned an 18.5% share with men, 25-54.
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