Andy Barrie retiring from CBC Radio
Andy Barrie, the popular and respected host of CBC Radio One’s 99.1 Metro Morning announced on-air today that he is stepping down from Toronto’s top rated morning radio program.
The 65-year-old broadcaster, who revealed in 2007 that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, made the announcement at the end of his show Monday after informing friends and and colleagues in an email on Sunday night.
“After an amazing 15 years making great radio at Metro Morning, we’re sad to see Andy give up the morning show microphone, and we’re sure that’s a view shared by his loyal audience,” said Denise Donlon, executive director of CBC Radio.
Barrie was born in Baltimore, Maryland and moved to Canada in 1969 as a conscientious objector to the Vietnam War. In 1977, Barrie moved to Toronto and began hosting The Andy Barrie Show on CFRB making it the top-rated morning drive show in Toronto for years. He moved to the CBC in 1995 to host Metro Morning.
Barrie will step down from Metro Morning on March 1st. A replacement for the show has not announced.
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Wow, this is bad. I couldn’t listen to other hosts they’ve had when he was on vacation, now I’m gonna have to
Best wishes to Andy and thanks for all the mornings!
Thank goodness. Enough of his befuddled, self aggrandizing blather. He always inserted himself or his attempt to ‘journalize’, into the story and ruined it. Less was not more for Andy. Now I can go back to listening to morning CBC.
I discovered Metro Morning just 2 yrs ago and my mornings were so informative and interesting with Andy. I wish I tuned in 15 yrs ago. I am truly saddened by his leaving and will miss his gentle voice and brilliant mind. I wish him nothing but the very best moving forward, and I do know he will not be idle and “rust out” like he said this morning.
Be well Andy!!
I know he’ll be missed – I was delighted when he took over the morning slot. It helped turn me into a faithful CBC listener.
Best wishes, Andy!
Sorry Andy is leaving … I will miss him. I lost my most loved husband last year and I am so very sad without him. I didn’t know Andy was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s and I am sorry for that. I just hope he enjoys life now and does things he always wanted to do. Also didn’t know Andy was a ‘conscientious objector’ … I worked with quite a few of these young men at the Toronto Telegram at the height of the Vietnam War.
Enjoy the rest of your life Andy. You will be sorely missed.
Geri O. Davis (god)