ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
By Louise Campbell Photos Simon Reid
the faint of heart (consider having to rise and shine at 4:30 a.m. five days a week), it does have its perks. “I love being at the very start of each day when everything is fresh and new! I love ‘waking up’ the Island and seeing it come to life,” says Kerri Wynne. “On a personal note, as the father of six, I enjoy the quietness of the house and uninterrupted bathroom time,” adds Kirk. The duo has a special magic that makes Ocean 100 Mornings the station’s most popular show. In fact, Kerri Wynne refers to the chemistry between them as the “most cherished jewel in my radio crown!” “Kerri Wynne and I are truly kindred spirits. We share many of the same morals, memories, experiences and views, allowing us to carry out conversations that resonate with the landscape of our community and that is important to both of us,” says Kirk. Above all, the co-hosts are genuine. Real people. Never pretending to be something they are not.
They are quick to compliment each other. She describes him as brilliant and her faithful “work husband” while he says she is compassionate and has an incredible ability to connect with people and maintain a great sense of humour. They both acknowledge the news guy, Scott Chapman, as an irreplaceable link that allows breathing space in the frantic pace. Ocean 100 Morning listeners are like one big family, with lots of different personalities and views. “We can pretty well tell you where each of our regulars lives, what they had for supper the night before, how their kids or grandkids are doing, and what the doctor said at their last appointment,” says Kerri Wynne. “We love them all and appreciate we’re such an important part of their lives.” Both hosts believe that the great popularity and power of morning radio comes with great responsibility – and they fulfil that responsibility through dozens of community events and initiatives each year – Toys for Tots, Stuff-A-Bus for the food banks,
If you wake up to the sounds of Ocean 100 Mornings, you are not alone. In fact, some 29,999 other Islanders begin their day with Kirk MacKinnon and Kerri Wynne MacLeod. Furthermore, many of you have been show fans for many, many years, tuning in for news, weather, entertainment and regular components such as the Water Cooler Question; He Said, She Said, and the ever-popular People Prank. “Laughter is imperative in this world and it often takes a back seat to work and responsibilities, especially in the hectic mornings,” says Kerri Wynne. “I think people tune in to us knowing they’re assured of a humorous reprieve and even just the smallest moment to breathe.” Kirk and Kerri Wynne have cohosted the morning show for a dozen years, first with 720 CHTN and then with the newly-launched Ocean 100 (owned by NewCap Radio). Though this gig is not for
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