Schnurmacher retiring from talk radio
Broadcaster looking to write and travel after signing off from CJAD’s Gang of Four
Tommy Schnurmacher is turning off the microphone.
The final instalment of the Montreal talk radio veteran’s Gang of Four show, which airs Monday to Friday from 12 to 1 p.m. on CJAD 800, will be broadcast Dec. 13. It will mark the end of 40 years in the business for the colourful media personality, who spent years as a columnist for the Montreal Gazette.
“I may be saying goodbye to daily radio deadlines, but I have a sneaking suspicion that I will not be able to keep myself from holding court from time to time, whether that’s on-air, off-air or on Twitter,” he said in an announcement released Friday.
Schnurmacher could not be reached for further comment, but CJAD program and news director Chris Bury expressed mixed feelings about the news.
“He’s a very unique talent,” Bury said, Friday afternoon.
“The combination of wit and intelligence he has, I haven’t seen in anybody else.
“I put it this way in a memo to the staff today: he’s the kind of guy who in one sentence can be hysterical, profound and thought-provoking. That’s a pretty amazing skill. I’m not sure most listeners realize how talented he is.”
The end of Schnurmacher’s career was in sight; Bury just didn’t think it would come so soon. The two had talked in the summer of 2016 about reducing his workload, beginning with a programming shift last fall that saw the hours of Schnurmacher’s show reduced and his vacation time increased.
Schnurmacher had the summer off this year, for the first time in a long time.
“Tommy got the travel bug,” Bury said. “He has really taken to it. He’s always liked to travel, but he’s never had much opportunity. Now it’s one of the principal things he wants to do, aside from finish his first novel. I have no idea what it’s about.”
Schnurmacher broke the news to his boss in civilized and somewhat sneaky fashion. Bury didn’t suspect a thing when the host invited him out to dinner last month.
“There’s a restaurant we got to once a year, usually,” Bury said. “I had no idea what was on his mind. I thought maybe it was just our annual touching-base. Then he pulled a letter out of his pocket.
“I was pretty surprised. I didn’t think he would be able to step away so soon. He’s very passionate about what he does. He loves broadcasting.”
Bury took his best shot at persuading Schnurmacher to stay, to no avail. Then he tried to negotiate a few different scenarios in which Schnurmacher could remain involved in CJAD’s programming. And while that might indeed pan out sometime down the line, first he’s going to need a little quiet time.
“He’s firm on his decision,” Bury said. “He’s enjoying himself, and he’s really looking forward to the next chapter. I can’t help but be happy for him.
“He’s done what he wanted to do in daily radio. He’s had an impact on the community. He has nothing left to prove.”
Beginning Dec. 14, CJAD’s midday lineup will consist of the Natasha Hall Show, from 12-2 p.m., and the Evan Solomon Show, from 2-4 p.m.