Radio host Nick seals new deal with a KiSS

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This article was published 07/09/2020 (1473 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Winnipeg FM radio station KiSS 102.3 is getting an on-air makeover.

Sarah Nick, who was let go last month from the morning show host position at Energy 106 to make room for controversial radio personality Dave Wheeler, will host the rebranded “New KiSS” weeknight show, beginning today at 9 p.m.

Nick was an on-air talent with Energy 106 until Aug. 24, when news broke veteran host Wheeler would take her place. Wheeler was fired from his former morning show position at 92.1 CITI in 2018, after making comments about transgender people. Nick had been at Energy for four years.

In the days that followed, Nick received Winnipeggers’ support, from messages and calls to an opportunity to take over Downtown Winnipeg Business Improvement Zone’s social media for a Le Burger Week promotion.

“I am really excited to still be on the airwaves in Winnipeg, in a city I love,” Nick said in a written statement. “I have so much support here, and want to thank the team at KiSS. I am also excited to sleep in, and participate in more community events.”

She isn’t the only new voice coming today to the New KiSS 102.3.

The morning show, which was previously hosted by Drew Kozub and Karly Troschuk, will now be streamed from Toronto. The Roz & Mocha Show, which plays on KiSS 92.5 in Toronto, will air instead.

“The Roz & Mocha Show is… a terrific opportunity to bring a hugely successful morning show to our listeners,” said Kevin Britton, New KiSS 102.3 program director.

The show is nationally focused with an emphasis on entertainment and pop culture. Roz Weston, one of the co-hosts, is also an Entertainment Tonight Canada personality.

“We’re ready to fight for, and earn every single fan that discovers this show,” Weston said in a written statement.

The Winnipeg station’s music will see a shift, too, to a mix of pop songs from the past 20 years and today’s chart-toppers.

Troschuk will now have her own weekday show from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m; Kozub will lead his own show weekdays from 1 to 6 p.m. They replace on-air personalities Sasha Spencer and Kenny Jones, respectively.

The shakeup is based on listener feedback and research, Britton said.

The Rogers Media-owned radio station has undergone major changes before. In 2015, it rebranded to KiSS 102.3 from 102.3 Clear FM.

There are KiSS branded stations in Vancouver, Edmonton, Ottawa, Lethbridge, Alta., Chilliwack, B.C., and across Ontario (Kingston, North Bay, Sudbury, Sault Ste. Marie, Timmins and Toronto).

gabrielle.piche@freepress.mb.ca