Lowell Green, CFRA’s sharp-tongued radio host who captivated and exasperated Ottawa audiences for more than 50 years, announced his retirement early Monday.
BREAKING: Lowell Green announces today's show is his last. Tune in now. https://t.co/aC4FIfKDt0
— 580 CFRA (@CFRAOttawa) January 4, 2016
Lowell Green announces today is his last as host of the Lowell Green Show #ottnews pic.twitter.com/BKep52xfOY
— 580 CFRA (@CFRAOttawa) January 4, 2016
Starting out as a news and farm reporter in 1960, Green, 79, was best known for his cantankerous exchanges with listeners who called in to speak with him about current events on the popular Lowell Green Show, which began in 1993. While some may have felt Green’s style was too confrontational, his fans loved his no-nonsense style and considered him a champion of common sense. Loved or hated, Green’s on-air conversations were always water-cooler fodder across Ottawa.
Reaction to Green’s retirement was swift.
A large void will be left behind with the departure of @LowellGreen from @CFRAOttawa. Thank you for your years of dedication and passion.
— Bob Monette (@BobMonette1) January 4, 2016
Being involved in the radio industry Lowell Green is someone I always looked up to, going to miss his heated arguments every day on 580
— Robert Hill Jr (@Hillzy61) January 4, 2016
Sad to hear Lowell Green retiring from @CFRAOttawa. Didn't always agree with the man, but his passion was always inspiring. #Ottawa #OttNews
— Dean Tester (@DeanTester) January 4, 2016
Grew up listening to @CFRAOttawa with my Dad. Good luck with your next adventure @LowellGreen, Canadian radio won't be the same without you!
— Allie (@alliesunny94fm) January 4, 2016
Green told listeners his decision to step down was entirely his own, according to a statement on CFRA’s website.
“He says he wanted to go out at the top of his career,” the station noted. “And with one of his best ratings ever last fall, he felt he was at his peak.”
In an interview four years ago with Ottawa Magazine, Green was asked if he still felt he was relevant.
“More relevant than ever,” he said. “The bent of most journalists today, particularly younger journalists, is to the left wing. I’m one of the few in the mainstream media who are more conservative, questioning a lot of this stuff.”
Green plans to make regular appearances on CFRA through his retirement.
Green’s retirement marks yet another significant change in the capital’s radio landscape. In November CFRA said goodbye to Steve Madely, who also retired. And, in a controversial move, popular hosts Shelley McLean and Rick Gibbons, along with several others, were let go the same month.
