Veteran broadcaster John Oakley is signing off from 640 Toronto (CFIQ-AM) at the end of this week, concluding a 46-year career.
His final broadcast of The John Oakley Show, which has been heard in the afternoon drive time slot from 3 – 6 p.m. ET, will air on Friday.
Oakley has been with 640 for more than two decades. After a summer hosting on University of Waterloo campus station, Radio Waterloo (CKMS-FM), Oakley started his career in 1980 on the overnight show at Orillia’s CFOR. He went on to join CJCL Toronto as a host, and then Montreal stations CJAD, and CFCF. He landed at CFRB (Now Newstalk 1010) Toronto in 1991, moving over to AM 640 in 2003, anchoring mornings for 13 years and later hosting in the afternoons.
“Known for his sharp intellect, wit, and provocative commentary, he remains one of Canadian talk radio’s most distinctive and enduring voices,” Corus Entertainment said in an announcement on Monday afternoon.
“Speaking to this city every day has been a privilege. The listeners, the callers, the conversations – they’ve all meant a great deal to me,” added Oakley. “I’m proud and thankful for the 22 years I’ve spent on 640 Toronto. And yes, it’s always a great day for talk radio.”
Corus said more details around its talk lineup will be released in the coming weeks.
