Beau and Tom switch frequency

Sun Aug 12 2007

By Jen Skerritt
Winnipeg Free Press

TWO of Winnipeg's most well-known morning radio-show hosts are leaving Q94 FM after 18 years on the air.

Beau Frietzche and Tom Milroy are moving to BOB-FM to host the morning show beginning Aug. 20.

Chris Brooke, program director at BOB-FM, said the move is a natural progression for the duo, who has spent nearly two decades waking up Winnipeggers with music, traffic and weather reports.

BOB-FM and Q94 are both owned by CTVglobemedia Inc.

Brooke expects that many of Beau and Tom's fans will follow them to BOB-FM, where they will be playing music from their heyday -- the '80s and '90s.

The decision to shift the pair to a station that targets a slightly older demographic came after Q94 slipped in the ratings in recent years.    Brooke said that Beau and Tom went from No. 1 or 2 in the city during their prime, to the "middle of the pack" because of increased competition among Winnipeg radio stations.

He also said Beau and Tom were ready for a new challenge.

"It is time for a change," Brooke said. "It's an opportunity for Q to develop a new morning franchise."

Brooke said a replacement for Q94 FM's morning show has not been selected, although the station's producer is searching and has spoken with interested individuals.

Dez Daniels, who was also a part of the Q94 morning show, will remain in her job. Currently she is on maternity leave and will be back on the air next month.

BOB-FM's target demographic is between 35 and 49, while Q94 FM is looking at a slightly younger crowd between 25 to 39.

Brooke said the move by the popular DJs will be a good opportunity for both radio stations to attract new listeners.

"The search is on and after 18 years it's quite a large pair of shoes to fill," he said.

jen.skerritt@freepress.mb.ca