Wheeler, Philly and Rena Leave Power 97

September 12, 2012 02:00 PM in News • 16 Comments

Phil Aubrey, Rena Jae and Dave Wheeler (DAN HARPER / POWER 97)

Winnipeg rock station Power 97 is without a morning show.

Dave Wheeler, Phil Aubrey and Rena Jae couldn’t agree to terms on a contract with Corus Entertainment and resigned. The three left following Wednesday’s show at 10 a.m.

Their bios and photos have since been removed from the station’s website, but not from Power 97′s Facebook page.

“It’s very unfortunate we couldn’t come to terms with Corus. It was purely a business decision and we wish everyone the best,” Wheeler said by phone.

The 10-year Corus veteran couldn’t say whether he, Aubrey and Rena had already received offers elsewhere, but vowed to try and stick together.

“We’re going to wait for the dust to settle and weigh our options,” when asked where the three will go now.

“Winnipeg is home for me, and Phil and Rena have made homes for themselves here, too.”

Wheeler couldn’t comment on what the main contract issues were between their end and Corus.

“They were certainly welcome to come back to work for us tomorrow,” program director Matt Cundill said Wednesday afternoon. “Well, now they aren’t. They resigned,” he said with a laugh.

Cundill also didn’t disclose what the main sticking points in the negotiations were.

“That’s a “them” question,” he added.

Media insiders speculated that the move may be a fall ratings stunt, as stations compete to hammer out a spot ahead of one another. Cundill said that wasn’t the case.

The three had held the morning show position together since 2009, when Rena Jae joined Wheeler and Aubrey shortly after Hal Anderson’s move to sister station CJOB.

In last spring’s ratings, Power 97 earned a 7.7 share, making it the second most listened to FM radio station in Winnipeg.

ReedSolomon

Meh. Morning shows suck anyways.
Haggus Lividus

Is this some cruel joke? Sigh…
Brian Cook

Hope it’s a ratings stunt.
Dr.J.Hawg

It would be lousy if they were actually funny…
Sabadecade

WOW! It seems odd that they would they ALL resign at the same time, I mean, they probably all have separate contracts and get paid differently. Also I’m sure Power97 would have been able to satisfy ONE of them with a contract that was worth their while. Hard to believe it really.
shamwow

forgot we’re in the middle of sweeps.
John

If it’s not a stunt, the argument was quite obviously over pay. Corus is notorious for underpaying their on-air talent.
Allen

Satelitte Radio is 10000 times better than anything local anyhow!
DaFirnz

Wheeler can go as far away as he wants to. I don’t think I know anyone who liked his on air style or lack thereof. Philly was good and Rena I’m indifferent about.
CDION

It’s not odd at all. As a trio, their contracts are likely set to expire at similar times. Also, as a team, Corus could throw money at one of them and it would make no difference. Radio folk need to and usually do stick together. Solidarity! If it is something their doing to juice up the numbers, it’s a good idea. If this goes viral can you image the amount of people tuning in tomorrow to find out who’s in and whats up.
Owen Finn

It is a shame – both Wheeler and Philly were staples at the local sporting events, and Rena Jae was just starting to make a name for themselves. And weren’t they just rated Number One morning show in the city a while back? I think Corus made a mistake not giving them at least a short extension… hopefully they all land on their feet, I’ve met them and they all seemed very genuine and nice.
Tim

won’t miss Wheeler at all. Good riddance loudmouth.
Liked Philly and Rena though.
Brian Cook

Hate to hear about people being out of work. Hope they find what they’re looking for. I worked for Corus and they paid me well. But different economy since 2008. But radio is better than loading trucks(I know). Wish them and their families great success and happiness. Brian Cook
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Curtis

Also won’t miss Wheeler !!! after Hal left, the show sucked huge. Rena doesn’t add anything – Philly was pretty funny though
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