Global News Radio 980 CKNW has announced that former B.C. Liberal MLA and veteran journalist Jas Johal will succeed Lynda Steele in afternoon drive on the Vancouver news/talk heritage station.
The Jas Johal Show will premiere Monday, Aug. 23 and air weekdays from 3 to 6 p.m.
Johal started his career with CKNW in 1991 before joining BCTV (now Global) in 1994. He became the B.C. correspondent for Global National in 2005 and was appointed Global News’ Asia Bureau Chief in 2008. Based in New Delhi and Beijing, he traveled extensively in China reporting on the economy, domestic and foreign policy, the environment, social justice, labor and human rights.
In 2017, he stepped away from broadcasting and successfully ran for the Liberals in the provincial riding of Richmond-Queensborough. He was defeated in the subsequent 2020 election by Aman Singh.
Times change. Values don’t.
Thirty years ago this year, I began my career at CKNW. It’s great to come home, and join an amazing team of hosts, producers, and journalists who each day shine light on issues that are important to our city. See you all soon! @CKNW pic.twitter.com/E9pP2ugLtU— Jas Johal (@JasJohalBC) August 3, 2021
“Thirty years ago this year, I began my career at CKNW. It’s great to come home, and join an amazing team of hosts, producers, and journalists who each day shine light on issues that are important to our city and province,” said Johal, in a Corus Entertainment announcement. “From the continued challenges posed by COVID, to forest fires in the Interior, to a potential federal election, there’s plenty to talk about. I look forward to engaging with CKNW listeners very soon.”
“The Jas Johal Show is going to be a smart, connected, can’t-miss part of the afternoon for listeners across the Lower Mainland,” added Kathryn Stewart, the station’s Director, Talk and Talent. “We’re excited to bring Jas’ depth of news experience and sharp perspective to the air.”
Jawn Jang, who has previously appeared on The Mike Smyth Show and The Jill Bennett Show, will be a featured contributor to the new program.
This isn’t the first time, CKNW has recruited a former politician to join its talk lineup, with then- former B.C. Deputy Premier Christy Clark hosting a daily talk show on the station from 2007 until her subsequent run for the B.C. Liberal leadership in late 2010. She went on to serve as B.C. Premier from 2011-17. Legendary personality Rafe Mair, who served as the MLA for Kamloops from 1975-81 under the Social Credit government of the day, was also enlisted by the station as a talk host from the mid-1980s to 2003.
980 CKNW’s revised lineup is as follows:
5:30 a.m. – 9 a.m. Mornings with Simi
9 a.m. – Noon The Mike Smyth Show
Noon – 3 p.m. The Jill Bennett Show
3 p.m. – 6 p.m. The Jas Johal Show
6 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Global News Hour at 6 p.m.
6:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. Global National
7 p.m. – 10 p.m. Charles Adler Tonight
10 p.m. – 5 a.m. The Shift with Shane Hewitt
5 a.m. – 5:30 a.m. Global Morning News
Veteran Vancouver media personality Jody Vance has been filling in on afternoon drive since Lynda Steele’s departure from the station at the end of May. Steele had hosted her highly-rated afternoon show and accompanying podcast since 2015.
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