Sean Leslie and Ian Koenigsfest leave CKNW Radio

    1 of 1 2 of 1

      Two of CKNW Radio's long-time employees won't be with the station this autumn.

      Legislature reporter Sean Leslie announced on his Facebook page that he'll soon turn off the radio microphone after 14 years at the station and 25 years in the radio business.

      In his Facebook post, Leslie also revealed that CKNW's long-time senior program director, Ian Koenigsfest, was "let go" on August 13.

      Leslie has hosted weekend shows for many years, but he's about to change careers.

      "I will post details of my new gig and contact info next week, as I will continue filling in for Jon McComb until August 21st," he wrote. "Many of my FB friends are no doubt here because I'm a media guy, so feel free to unfriend me as I leave the biz-no hard feelings!"

      Leslie is based in Victoria and his wife is listed in the B.C. government's online directory as a communications officer with the Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation.

      Koenigsfest had been with the station for 24 years.

      During Koenigsfest's tenure, the station changed its lineup of hosts to try to appeal to a younger audience.

      Simi Sara, Michael Eckford, and Justin "Drex" Wilcomes were all given weekday shows following the departure of Christy Clark, Philip Till, and Bill Good. 

      Over the past 15 years, CBC Radio 1 has offered stiff competition to CKNW, which described itself as the "Top Dog" for decades.

      Koenigsfest is also president of RTNDA Canada, which speaks on behalf of private radio and television news operations across the country on newsroom-related issues.

      In that role, Koenigsfest criticized the arrest of CTV news reporter Tom Walters while he was covering protests in Ferguson, Missouri.

      Puget Sound Radio has reported that U.S. broadcasting consultant Larry Gifford has been advising CKNW and will fill Koenigsfest's shoes "on a Full or Interim basis".

      Comments

      10 Comments

      Eric G

      Aug 14, 2015 at 4:14pm

      Sean Leslie's partner worked for the BC Liberals? How many other BC political reporters are married into that party? I always knew it was a high number but the more I look into it, the more depressing this situation looks.

      The number of BC reporters with spousal ties to the BC Liberal party and government is weirdly high.

      Charlie Smith

      Aug 14, 2015 at 4:28pm

      @Eric G

      To be precise, his wife works for the B.C. government, which is controlled by the B.C. Liberal majority in the legislature.

      Boom baby

      Aug 14, 2015 at 4:29pm

      Sean is off to the Ministry of Social Development as a public affairs officer. It makes him one step closer to his smoking buddy, Shane Mills.

      Disgusted

      Aug 14, 2015 at 11:53pm

      Ian Koenigsfest has received his just rewards. Let us give thanks.

      Acting with relish on behalf of Corus radio beancounters in TO and in tandem with 'shout radio' consultants from California, Ian helped decimate talk radio in this town as we know it.

      So, now what? More pre-packaged, syndicated NPR pap like the TED talks? Or uniformed, rushed poli ramblings. Jack Webster spins in his grave.

      In a world where political leaders are asking 'yout' to correspond with them in emojis ferchrissakes, can the complete decimation of smert, entertaining public affairs talk be far behind?

      For older folks and you kids out there, here's a telling interview between Puget Sound Radio's Jim Goddard and former
      CKNW former morning drive legend Frosty Forst on what may be going on at the now not-so mighty 'NW. It's friggin' depressing, especially when you look back at former radio hosts like Webster who could bring governments to their knees.

      Let's see what the new Roundhouse Radio (wifi, FM) will do. Can they make talk radio relevant again in YVR?

      http://www.pugetsoundradio.com/2015/08/13/jim-goddard-talks-frost-forest...

      John McMillan

      Aug 15, 2015 at 12:32am

      Down goes the ship! Younger audiences don't listen to am talk radio. This station has lost or fired every broadcaster I enjoyed and respected. CBC RADIO 1 you say?

      lepe@telus.net leo jansen

      Aug 15, 2015 at 12:25pm

      good to see this liberal ass kisser gone

      Bruster69

      Aug 15, 2015 at 9:57pm

      NW according to some is been in a free fall for the last few years. I used to listen to it faithfully. until Bill Good took on the role of Christy Clark Cheerleader. And leslie was no better. If I wanted a Liberal Sycophant preaching from the liberal song book I would have stayed tuned in. But those two were to over the top for me. I going to check out Harvey O. and see what he has to say. A friend of mine lives just down the road from Bill Good and says he is a hell of a nice man. So this is nothing personal.

      Fred50

      Aug 17, 2015 at 3:18pm

      Sorry to see Sean is leaving. Enjoyed listening to his balanced reports.

      Listener

      Aug 18, 2015 at 7:15am

      I am interested to see what's planned as they are running ads saying stay tuned something new and exciting is coming... Wonder if Charles Adler will be getting a show or if Lynda Steele is still moving over...

      Wendy W

      Aug 21, 2015 at 10:39pm

      I'll be sorry to see Sean go. He was always so respectful and cheery, and I enjoyed listening to him.