CJOB pulls plug on Hal Anderson, two others

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This article was published 14/05/2014 (4481 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Hal Anderson, CJOB’s morning man since 2009, lost his job Tuesday as part of what the station called a restructuring involving two other employees.

Anderson confirmed in an email that he and the Corus radio station had parted ways and he was considering his options. The Alberta-born on-air host learned he was out at CJOB after completing his Tuesday morning show. He was paid out for the rest of his five-year contract, which was due to end in September.

CJOB’s brand manager Scott Pettigrew refused to comment on company personnel matters but said the staffing changes were not impacted by ratings. The BBM listenership ratings a year ago revealed that CJOB’s percentage share of total hours tuned into city radio stations fell to 12.8 per cent from the station’s 15.4 per cent rating the previous fall. New spring radio ratings are due May 29.

“It’s about creating the best possible listening experience for the audience so we’re looking forward to moving ahead,” said Pettigrew.

Anderson’s regular fill-in, Jon Ljungberg, will be behind the microphone Wednesday morning. A permanent replacement is expected by June.

Anderson’s former producer, Olivia Billson, was one of the other staffers to lose their jobs. All three positions will be filled.

Anderson replaced Larry Updike on the CJOB morning show after 14 years at rock music station Power 97. As part of a prank in 2004, he was voted by his listeners as the 34th Greatest Canadian, beating out former prime minister Jean Chrétien and actress Pamela Anderson.