One of Shane Michaels earlier gigs here in Edmonton was that of the masked man 'Sleddog' where he entertained Middays at Edmonton's The BEAR (CFBR-FM)
Upon returning to his street clothes, he assumed his real name of Shane Michaels doing Morning Drive on Astrals EZRock, now Virgin (CFMG-FM) where he held fort from September 2004 to August of 2009.
He then brazened the airwaves with the combo name of "Sleddog Michaels", doing Disc Jockey Fill-in over at West Edmonton Mall's Newcap K-97 (CIRK-FM). It was shortly after CKRA-FM flipped to Capital, he moved across the hall becoming the new PM Drive announcer.
Shane grew up in Victoria, British Columbia. He graduated from the Radio/Television program at BCIT.
Shane managed to catch our eye with his facebook profile 'mic side' studio shot which we automatically zeroed in on. For the next couple of weeks, Shane's filling in for the Capital morning duo Rob and Audie who are vacationing down in the warmer climes of Mexico and expected to return by month end. Shane will then return to his covenant PM Drive slot in February.
Yes, Shane is also a member and contributor to our Puget Sound Radio forum using the screen name, you guessed it, "Sleddog"
Congratulations Shane, you're this weeks PSR's Facebook Radio Celebrity! .
My favourite Edmonton morning show to listen to used to be "Sled Dog, Cub & Jamie" in the morning. I always thought their chemistry was perfect - Jamie playing it pretty straight, Cub going off the wall, and Sled sort of in between those two while providing a solid anchor for the show. A lot of laughs listening to those guys. Glad to see Shane's still gainfully employed in the biz.
In communication with Shane through facebook this morning, I wanted to know where the name "Sleddog" came from?
Shane: Before the Bear started, my then girlfriend (now wife) used to call me sexy sleddog. When Eric Samuals heard that he said "oh you gotta use that for your Bear name...but you have to lose the sexy". It fit in with the Northern Canada names we were going with back then. Grizz Woods ( Jeff Woods) Kodiak Steve ( Steve Zimmerman) In hindsight I'm not sure about nicknames. If you're succesful with it, you're stuck with it or you have to start over.
ME: Being raised in Victoria, I see you went to BCIT, after graduating, what was your first station,
Shane: out of BCIT to CKEK in Cranbrook, then to CJIB in Vernon.
Our conversation with Shane this morning on Facebook managed to stir up a few more memories and questions
Kris Burkholder Photo:Courtesy of EdmontonBroadcasters.com
ME: When you first started with K-97, was it still connected with the original CJCA?
Shane: Thats right Michael. It was at the old building downtown 107st. Just a powerhouse of talented people in that building. Including Kris Burkholder who is doing mornings this week with me on Capital as we're filling in for Rob and Audie.
We also had Terry Evans and Todd James who both did stints at the Bear before returning to K97 now.
The sales team was legendary too...Randy Lemay was one of the big hitters and he's now our G.M.
ME: Besides the exit of Pat Cardinal and the addition of John Roberts, you've had a few changes at your NewCap location at West Edmonton Mall?
Karen KayDave Warwa
Shane: Changes in our building ...Karen Kay has left the Capital morning show to pursue Real Estate. And GSM Dave Warwa is leaving to start his own sales consulting business on Vancouver Island.
ME: Living in Victoria the radio signals from Seattle came in very strong AM radio wise, then with the introduction of FM radio, who were you listening to and did it have an impact on you and your style as a broadcaster. Also, did you listen to Victoria's CKDA in those days?
Shane:I did listen a lot to CKDA back in the day as well as LG and CFUN. It was actually KISW out of Seatle that got me interested in a radio career. I clearly remember the FM music and how bands would come in for interviews and you could hear them drinking and telling stories...that really sold me on the theatre of radio...how radio could bring Rock Stars right into your room.
ME: Once again, thanks for sharing Shane
btw, we conducted an interview with Rob and Audie a few weeks back and when they return we hope to be posting
We had a call from Harvard Broadcasting a few minutes ago and contrary to what was reported earlier, Neil Cunningham has not been hired by Harvard as their new GSM. Neil left Corus for his prestige position as Vice President Operations at Spence Diamonds and is very happy where he is. He has no future plans to return to broadcasting.
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