Renowned Radio Host Paul Arcand Bids Farewell After 34 Years on Air

Renowned radio host Paul Arcand bid farewell after an illustrious 34-year career on air with his morning show ‘Puisqu’il faut se lever’ on Montreal’s 98.5 FM. The final edition, marking the end of 20 years at 98.5, was an emotional culmination of Arcand’s impactful journey.

With the 98.5 FM station in Montreal adorned for this special broadcast, colleagues past and present, along with loyal listeners, took the mic to share their experiences with the ‘king of the airwaves’. Some expressed gratitude for his mentorship, while others confessed to feeling intimidated speaking alongside him.

Kicking off at 5:30 am, Arcand made it clear from the start: ‘I haven’t changed my mind, this is the last one,’ he asserted. However, he admitted that the departure wouldn’t be devoid of emotions, acknowledging the void that his absence would leave.

Beyond his numerous high-profile interviews, Arcand takes pride in giving a voice to the voiceless, aiding newcomers in learning French, and seamlessly integrating into his audience’s daily lives. Addressing his listeners directly, he reflected on the profound impact of his presence in their homes, cars, and significant life moments.

Expressing gratitude towards his team and family, Arcand recognized the challenges that come with being ‘the son of’ or ‘the spouse of’. Despite his on-air seriousness, his colleagues highlighted Arcand’s off-air humor, which often lightened the atmosphere.

While injecting humor into his farewell show, Arcand humorously addressed recent events, playfully asking the Montreal fire department to allow the show to go on ceremoniously. He then transitioned to a more serious note, revealing his discomfort with the outpouring of affection and stating his preference for a regular show with a compelling interview.

Although stepping down from daily hosting duties, Arcand revealed plans to collaborate with La Presse and continue his iconic press review in podcast form on 98.5’s digital platforms. The morning show will be renamed ‘Lagacé le matin’ with a new host at the helm starting next fall.