#QtheFuture: Your thoughts on who should fill the host chair
The Q audience weighs in on who should take the reins at Studio Q
Since launching our #Qthefuture campaign on Monday, we've received a non-stop stream of ideas and suggestions. Your creativity, enthusiasm and investment in our show have been heartening, and we can't thank you enough for taking the time to weigh in.
The campaign for stand-up comic and former SNL star Norm MacDonald is no doubt the most vocal on social media. Enthusiasm duly noted!
You've certainly given us a lot to think about. Stay tuned for more blog posts on other themes that are front and centre for you.
We've already spotted some themes in your letters -- including transparency, diversity and branding -- but your top concern, hands down, is that we choose a great new host for Q.
That major decision will take some time of course, but we are poised to follow up on some of your suggestions and consider candidates for both the permanent gig and for our roster of talented guest hosts.
Sorting through your suggestions
@CBCRadioQ Your viewers want @normmacdonald for host. It's takin' over Twitterverse, baby. #NormforCBCRadioQ #Canada pic.twitter.com/LNR6QU3am3-- Jen (@JennieGomes_) November 3, 2014
Several other new and familiar names have also stuffed our inbox and social feeds this week.
You've shared your thoughts on guest hosts who've already driven the Q mobile -- including Piya Chattopadhyay, Tom Power, Brent Bambury, Jann Arden -- as well as talented and culturally-savvy Canadians like Wab Kinew, Shad, Sandra Oh and Kathleen Edwards.
Most people agreed that one host, or a two-person team of regular co-hosts, would give the show a consistent voice -- but we also saw an appetite for some flexibility:
Many of you spoke more generally about the kind of person you'd like to see at the helm.
It would be kickass to agree that a woman's place is in the Host chair. #QtheFuture-- Kev Corbett (@corbettkev) November 4, 2014
#QtheFuture Always dug the hip but smart tone. Give the younger generation / young talents @CBC their opportunity to shine now @CBCRadioQ-- Chloë Filson (@chloefilson) November 3, 2014
#qthefuture @cbcradioq host could be indigenous, transgender, disabled. Give us marginalized perspectives-- Meta Snark (@metasnarkTO) November 7, 2014
@CBCRadioQ keep bringing the best in cultural coverage, represent Canada's talent & bring on young hosts who're ready to shine! #Qthefuture-- Aiden McRae (@aiden_mcrae) November 7, 2014
"It might be a nice idea to let various people co-host segments. They could be artists visiting the show that day, or even one of the talented Q producers." - Geri Tramutola, Vancouver
#QtheFuture I vote for a core presence on the show (a main host), w/ regular guest hosts at least once a week. Diversity and a stable base.-- Melissa Waddell (@madwithpainting) November 7, 2014"I fall on the side of preferring one host. That being said I would offer a compromise of having "Guest Host Friday" each week." - Rick Williams, Kitchener, Ont.
.@CBCRadioQ, don't rush anything re: #QtheFuture Rotate guest hosts until you find a choice that meshes.-- Ken Thomson (@KennethThomson) November 5, 2014
I vote for an eclectic team of two as co-hosts. A couple likeminded new fresh interviewers. Keep the essays, broaden the depth. #QtheFuture-- betty picot (@knittybetty) November 4, 2014
Thanks for your patience as we work through the logistics and thoughtfully choose our next host(s).