Harvard Media has announced changes on Edmonton’s play107 (CKPW-FM) that will see longtime morning show duo Ryder & Lisa move from mornings to afternoon drive as the hosts explore a new, yet-to-be revealed opportunity.
The changes see Ryder & Lisa move into the 5 – 8 p.m. MT time slot across the play network, while midday host Jake Ryan, who has been heard on the station for more than 12 years, takes on mornings from 6 – 10 a.m. Harvard network personalities Mariah & Ty, who’ve been heard “After Hours,” move to middays, with Mark & Jess (the morning show duo from play 92 (CHMX-FM) Regina) heard from 2 – 5 p.m. A new host is to be introduced in evenings from 8 p.m. – midnight.
Afternoon drive personality Stacie Cooper, who does double duty as the morning show host on Saskatoon’s 96.3 CRUZ, has been dropped from the play 107 schedule.
The changes take effect Nov. 3, with Harvard saying the refreshed programming lineup is “designed to deliver even more personality, energy, and engagement for Edmonton listeners and advertising partners.”
“After a long and successful run, Ryder & Lisa have chosen to step back from their morning show with Harvard Media,” the company said in a release. “However, their familiar voices and popular brand will continue to be a part of play107 and the play brand across Harvard Media. This ensures Ryder and Lisa remain connected to their audience and continue to be a cornerstone of the station.”
“It has been a tremendous, tremendous honour to wake up with this city for I mean 13, 14 years, somewhere in there,” Ryder told listeners Friday morning.
“We understand that we’re part of people’s routine,” said Lisa, who has been part of the morning show full-time for the last 12 years.
“Not a lot of people leave a job that they’re obsessed with and we have chosen to try something new, something very exciting and something you’ll still be able to be a part of where we’ll connect with you in the mornings, but it’s different,” said Ryder.
“Different is so scary and we understand that nobody likes change,” added Lisa. “We hope that where we go, you will follow…not being here is really hard, but we promise the goal is to leave you in good hands. And the craziest part is when we talked to our boss, who we love so much. I’ve never had a better boss, Jim [McCourtie]…it was an emotional meeting and he said ‘Do you have to leave completely?'”
“This show is nothing without our listeners, the passion, the humility, the honesty, the excitement. It is just the best job in the world,” said Lisa, holding back tears, “But we’re excited to explore something different and to take on a challenge.”
“The first thing we thought of was the listeners, she continued. “It just breaks me knowing there are people listening who are sad.”
“It’s a scary move, but it isn’t worth it if it doesn’t scare you a bit,” added Ryder, who said their new morning destination will be announced in the coming days.
Ryder & Lisa were the winners of the Best On-Air Team (Music) (Large Market) category in the 2023 Canadian Radio Awards.
