It is with great sadness and a bit of shock that I announce I am no longer associated with CKCU-FM, after 35 years of being an on-air DJ. The station has chosen to go in a new direction where DJs download music to “record” shows in their homes for re-broadcast on the community airwaves.
Anyone who knows me knows that I am all about the vinyl, not downloads. Unfortunately I don’t have the money to make a large investment in ensuring that I can spin discs and record a professional quality show in my home for re-broadcast. Nor – to be honest – do I believe that I fit in with the new gang in charge of CKCU. To be sure, I am a “colourful” personality, but then again – a little respect for long-serving DJs would have been nice to have, and there doesn’t seem to be any understanding that “respect” is definitely a two-way street. Nice man Kwende, the new CKCU leader with his own particular vision of the future: he is intelligent and well-spoken, but clearly moving the station down a far more academic path, and IMO he is not really interested in hearing/having real discourse and tolerates no dissent. But purges of DJs are nothing new at CKCU, so I guess my time had simply arrived to feel the flagrant spin out the door, don’t let it hit your ass as it slams shut.
I will no longer be pulling in funding drive money through Friday Morning Cartunes; everyone else can make their own choice about whether or not YOU continue to support the new and definitely very different CKCU of the future.
For all the many music lovers out there who have listened to my shows over the years, and supported the former version of CKCU-FM through your seriously generous donations: thank you again from the bottom of my heart. It was a wild journey we were on, breaking boundaries in every decade. I was proud to associate myself with this venerable community institution. Times change indeed…nuff said on that closed door and smarting arse.
For the thousands of bands that I have spun, pushed and promoted – fear not: I will continue to spin, push and promote you through alternative venues. My whole world revolves around music and inspirational directions, past and present…nothing is going to change there!
And of course, I will continue to sell directly to the discerning ears out there; I have been surprised and pretty humbled with the level of support throughout all this COVID-shit, this world turned upside down-shit, and I am committed to keeping on sourcing and selling the best there is music-wise, past and present, via on-line and in-person encounters.
Everyone be safe out there, take care of yourselves and your family of loved ones, and basically…rock on!
JW
11 comments:
Sad to see you go. But, as a fellow programmer there, the pandemic shut down the studios on March 17, when Carleton shut down. That was way before any new leadership at the station, which happened in September.
Holy shit... You, Matthew C,... Crazy, disappointing days... Much love, brother.
End of an era, start of a new one.
All things must pass...you were one of the stalwarts of CKCU. But times change and now you will break new ground in your new life. Maybe an on-line show or your own channel? Either way, bonne chance!
That's really sad, sorry to see you go (and yes, purges at campus radio are nothing new, but still).
I’m super disappointed to hear that a compromise could not be found. That’s really disappointing
Thank you. Disappointing, but a helluva run. I see a podcast in yer future.
Covid has been an enormous challenge to deal with for everyone including a not for profit organization (ckcu in case you couldn’t tell) that went from fending off a full on assault by the Ford government (student choice initiative) to “Macgivering” it’s continuous broadcasting operations thanks to the uncompromising dedication of its steadfast volunteers. CKCU is 45 years old. It’s lost many great hosts and allies : ‘Chopper’ McKinnon, Janis Lockwood, Mary Mackinnon, Ron Sweetman, to name but them. So to lose Westhaver’s contribution to CKCU is totally a kick while down. But I’m confident the station will muddle through this hard time. It’s seen worse. Who remembers when the station was a nose hair away from bankruptcy? A young Matthew Crosier was instrumental is saving the day. So as long as there’s hope there’s life. So let’s hope that the station gets through this and we can all go back to enjoying the music and the station we love. Because John is right. It’s not about anyone person. It’s about the music and the station. Thanks for a great run John!
Damn! This news sucks. You had simply the best rawk show on CKCU - period 👉🏼. Guess they're going to have to lower funding drive expectations for a long while. Looking forward to your eventual podcast.
I have been missing your show. Thanks so much for all the years of great tunes John.
Yeah, always enjoyed listening to your show. Yours was one of two that I donated to every year.
thanks for the many years of mind-blowing tunes and your amazing knowledge, and obvious passion, for music!
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