Funny 1410 in London is shutting down in the coming months. The company I work for, Bell Media, got approval from the CRTC to revoke its license to operate the station. It’s just not viable anymore. Powering down its frequency brings an end to a legendary radio station, one that I was proud to call my radio home for a couple of years in the 1980s. No jobs will be lost because those jobs were lost years ago. To shut down 1410 it will only take powering down a computer.
In its day, CKSL was a powerhouse of hit music where I had the privilege to cut my teeth as a radio host. It’s also where I met Derek, the man who is now my husband.
Some of my best radio stories come from that era.
I got to meet some of the biggest names in music and had some of the most fun of my young, single life. I also met the weirdest listeners, had the strangest experiences and got some of the best advice from people in the industry, such as Dick Joseph, who was so far ahead of his time, he had a laptop in 1986!
Back then, CKSL was battling head to head with the station where I now work, 1290 CJBK, for market supremacy. Powerhouse FM96 had yet to come on strong. We both played hit music, although CKSL was almost a clone of Toronto’s CFTR, which later became 680 News. (If you need a scorecard to keep track, please send $9.95 plus a self-addressed stamped envelope!)
There was no internet, no email. Bands had to come in to see us and go on the air live! So we met everyone who came through. And we did lots of live appearances.
As the afternoon drive host Dick Joseph hosted a hugely popular game called Desperate and Dateless. We would all join him for a live version of the game in a bar, and have a blast.
Once the superior sound quality of FM drew listeners away from AM music radio, AM stations were relegated to oldies and then talk and then, in 1410’s case, piped in comedy bits. Having said that, Funny 1410 is one of my absolute favourite radio stations. But I listen to comedy the way most people listen to music and most people aren’t like me. 1410 never moved up from last in the city’s ratings. Pity.
Now is an exciting, terrifying and tumultuous time to be in southwestern Ontario radio. There have been loads of changes recently. KOOL-FM, where I helped launch the first morning show from candlelight and wine into classic rock, blew out its staff a week ago and is now Virgin KW. At my station, we’re still searching for the right mix of morning hosts. And soon enough, there’ll be no sound at all on the dial where 1410 used to broadcast. It makes me sadder than I would have predicted but time does march on. RIP CKSL, I loved ya.
Hi Lisa. CKSL was a saviour in my life since in Bruce County all I could tune into was CKNX. While working the fields in the early eighties I could get the hits on the tractor radio from CKSL. Thank Goodness. While at Fanshawe in 83, it was automatic I listened to the station. Desperate and Dateless. I had forgotten this gem. Since at the time I was, it was a very popular segment. Thanks CKSL. I have nothing but fond memories. Sad you’re leaving.
Love this article for reminding me about desperate and dateless
I spent a few years at CKSL in the late 80’s and loved it. Great people to work with. I won’t start listing names too many to list. But if you were there when I was you are one of those I’m talking about.Goodbye CKSL. I’m listening to The Funny until the last applause has died. Then it’s me and my iPod.
CKSL was nearly entirely automated during my time in London from 2009-2010 but I’ll never forget the warm sound of the great oldies. Sad when it flipped to comedy and now even worse to hear that the signal is disappearing forever.
Aside from “Video Hits” and “Good Rockin’ Tonight” nothing influenced my music listening more than CKSL from about 1983, when I was 7 years old, until 1988 when I was twelve (and The Who and Led Zeppelin took over). I think I taped the “Top Six at 6” every day. Rich Greven and Norm Borg were legendary figures to a young kid from the boonies outside of London. Long live “Homework Helpers!”
How do I speak of my time on air with CKSL. I began as a part timer doing all nights and swing. Then when I segued over to doing mornings with Cliff Jackson, Gord Huge, sorry, “Hume,” saw me as “an enemy of the state because Derek Botten and I were house mates. They figured I would try to extract intel to get a jump on their promotions. I was a Disc Jockey, not a KGB agent. Poor Derek was ostracized and not allowed at promotions meetings. I loved Jerry Stevens as a program director, and I absolutely LOVED the music and getting to meet Blue Peter, The Spoons, UB40, Platinum Blonde, whom I became friends with and later teamed up with for a performance on stage in Winnipeg. It made the Sun’s next morning edition. Working with Lisa and Derek was one of he highlights of my life, and they remain my closest friends to this day. I even lived in the old CKSL on Richmond. When they moved out, I moved in. What a unique experience. One I will never forget!