Kevin Frankish, a familiar voice in Canadian broadcasting, will step into the morning time slot on AM 640 Toronto, hosting "Toronto Today" starting March 19, 2025. This transition comes as former host Greg Brady pursues a candidacy for the federal Conservative Party in his hometown of Ajax, Ontario.
In a heartfelt announcement, Brady shared, "I’ve made a big decision to seek the House of Commons seat in the riding of Ajax as a member of the Conservative Party of Canada. As such, ethically, and practically, the right thing is to take a leave of absence from the 640 Toronto airwaves. My colleagues and the listeners mean the world to me, and I will still be on your team, your side, and rooting for great things, as hopefully you are for me." His commitment to his audience was evident as he expressed the emotional weight of his decision to leave the show.
Brady, who has been a fixture on Toronto radio since 2021, hosted Toronto Today since 2019. He emphasized that this decision is less about leaving and more about moving towards something significant, stating, "This isn’t about ‘leaving’ something — it’s about sprinting ‘towards’ something of critical importance. I believe we can right some of the wrongs in our country." He highlighted that there have been many wake-up calls in recent years, urging the need for action.
Taking the reins from Brady is Kevin Frankish, whose illustrious career includes a remarkable 27-year tenure at Citytv's Breakfast Television, which has made him a well-known figure to many Canadians. Frankish expressed enthusiasm about his new role, saying, "I’m thrilled to be joining the team at 640 Toronto – a powerful place for important conversations. Every morning, I am going to do my best in trying to help you make sense of what is becoming an increasingly senseless world."
The upcoming federal election adds urgency to discussions on the show. Frankish's skills as a seasoned broadcaster, versed in breaking news and political matters, will provide a platform for timely and insightful coverage. He mentioned, "I will be asking the questions of newsmakers, and demanding the answers I know that you want, however, I will always try to send you off into your day in a positive way." This approach aims to balance the seriousness of political discourse with an uplifting start to listeners' mornings.
Frankish is not only a broadcaster but has also made strides as a mental health advocate, communicator, and podcaster. His multifaceted experience is expected to enrich the content of Toronto Today, as he shares his journey and engages with audiences on personal and societal levels.
Brady's departure leaves a significant gap, particularly in light of his efforts to connect with his audience on a personal level over the years. During his time on-air, he openly shared his experiences and challenges, fostering a sense of community among listeners. Frankish is set to continue this tradition, ensuring that the show remains a space for important conversations about what matters to Canadians.
In his farewell, Brady acknowledged the support he has received from both his colleagues and listeners, stating, "I am stepping away from 640 (unlike so many radio departures) having the most fun I've had in ages, with the best people I've worked with, and for in ages." His commitment to his community was further underscored as he expressed his aspirations for a brighter future.
As both Frankish and Brady embark on these new chapters, the Toronto Today show seeks to maintain its role as a vital source of news and discussions critical to Canadian society. With the election on the horizon and public sentiments in flux, the importance of responsible and engaging journalism has never been more significant.
Listeners can expect to tune in weekdays from 5:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. ET to catch the latest insights and updates from Kevin Frankish, as he aims to create a dialogue around the issues shaping the nation. As the political landscape shifts with the upcoming federal election, Frankish's entrance as the interim host signals a transition not just for the show, but for the conversations that matter most to Canadians.
