By FYI Staff
Announced on his morning show Thursday, Canada’s $1M+ radio host Roger Ashby is leaving CHUM 104.5 after a 50 year run at the station. Ashby’s farewell broadcast airs live from the Sheraton Centre Toronto Grand Ballroom on Wednesday, Dec. 5. Natch, the festivities start early. At 5 a.m.!
A galaxy of celebrity guests will spice up the broadcast as Ashby recalls some fantastic moments from his half-century as a preeminent voice on Toronto radio.
“It’s easy to get up early every morning when you love your job and the people you work with,” said Ashby. “Of course, I couldn’t have done it without the amazing Marilyn Denis. From the first moment we met, I knew she was the right person to spend my mornings with. And our success over the decades would not have happened without the dedication of our longtime listeners.”
“Marilyn and Jamar will keep entertaining Torontonians every morning on CHUM 104.5, and I look forward to listening,” he continued. “I’d also like to thank my wife, Moira, and my family and friends – with whom I will be spending a lot more time, whether they like it or not!”
“Roger Ashby is quite simply a radio legend and a luminary of Canada’s music industry,” said Randy Lennox, President, Bell Media. “He is a model of excellence and consistency in radio broadcasting and upholds that gold standard every time he sits behind the mic. We wish him the very best in his retirement, and thank him for 50 incredible years at CHUM.”
“On behalf of the entire team at CHUM 104.5, I’d like to thank Roger for his 50 years of dedication to CHUM and our listeners in Toronto and beyond,” said Sarah Cummings, Program Director, CHUM 104.5. “Roger has stepped into the studio for decades, long before the sun comes up, turned on his mic, and entertained millions of listeners over multiple generations. He is without question in a league of his own, and we will miss him dearly. Thank you, Roger, and congratulations!”
In January 2010, Ashby was inducted into the Canadian Music and Broadcast Industry Hall of Fame, receiving the Waters Family Broadcast Lifetime Achievement Award.
Outside of the studio, Ashby dedicates his time to a number of charities, including Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Toronto, the CNIB, the Toronto Humane Society, and the Toronto Wildlife Centre, among others.
Earlier this year, CHUM 104.5 welcomed new co-host Jamar McNeil to the station’s morning team, and unveiled an all-new brand refresh of CHUM 104.5, updating the look and feel of one of Toronto’s most iconic radio brands.
