I would be lying to you if I told you that I did not imagine Patrick Lagacé as Paul Arcand’s successor. He was the ideal candidate since the announcement of the departure of the “king of the airwaves”. We felt that the chair he occupies in the homecoming show was going to propel him.
Rumors had been swirling for a few months. It is these behind-the-scenes noises that led the management of 98.5 to confirm the thing on Wednesday morning. It was Paul Arcand who made the announcement in the company of Patrick Lagacé who had not slept a wink all night.
I am very happy with this choice. Patrick Lagacé is an excellent host who, after a few months at the helm of the show Quebec now, has found its own tone and way of doing things. Its animation avoids detours and frills. The man knows how to get to the net with big kicks.
He has shown that he is also capable of lightness and self-mockery. Some of his exchanges with MC Gilles and Catherine Beauchamp testify to this eloquently.
This passage had been in preparation “for a long time”. Pierre Martineau, general manager of 98.5 and vice-president of regional stations at Cogeco Media, had sounded out the field with Patrick Lagacé several months ago. The latter reacted by saying that he was “not closing the door”. As a result, a contract was signed.
Paul Arcand did not want to play “mothers-in-law” with his successor, but he told him all the same to do things his way, which Patrick Lagacé will no doubt do. The two hosts, however, have one thing in common: they do not let go of the bunch of grapes easily with the guests who resort to the language of wood.
I sat down with my colleague and asked him if the 18 months ahead of him will be a big source of stress before his debut on the morning show. He replied that it was not in his nature to stress for a year and a half. That will come in the weeks leading up to his arrival, he says.
Rather, he sees this long period as a “luxury” that will allow him to build a team in his image. Changes are therefore to be expected.
That said, it would be a shame to deprive yourself of solid players like Pierre-Yves McSween, Luc Ferrandez and Nathalie Normandeau. Will MC Gilles and Catherine Beauchamp follow him in this new adventure? All of this remains to be seen.
Of course he will experience the cruel and inescapable stage of comparison. All those who “succeed” a presenter appreciated by the public are entitled to this treatment. Paul Arcand said that when he seized a slot already occupied by Michel Beaudry, a listener telephoned to ask what time there would be “jokes”.
On this, Patrick Lagacé displays a certain confidence. He is 51 years old, nearly 25 years in the business behind the tie, including three and a half years hosting a radio daily. He therefore arrives with confidence and a lot of lucidity.
Obviously, the question of a morning schedule is a source of concern. Having known this regime for six years as a cultural columnist (when Patrick was also making his debut as a researcher), I can tell you that it is extremely demanding.
The sound of the alarm clock at 3:15 a.m. is downright inhuman. You have to drag your body out of bed and take a shower, get into your car in the dark at minus 15 degrees and arrive bubbly (and smart as possible) behind a microphone.
Patrick Lagacé says he is ready to adopt this “monastic” life as Paul Arcand called it. His son is older, he feels he can afford this life change.
Paul Arcand told him that morning listeners are the “best”. I would add that they are also the most formidable. These people get up, start their day with hosts, journalists and columnists who tackle sometimes sharp subjects. And since we don’t always want to dance on Singin’ in the Rain every morning in our kitchen, these characters sometimes go through the grinder.
The other good news in this announcement is that Patrick Lagacé will continue to write columns for The Press. He will take a short break when launching the program to better return to “his” diary.
And now, the big question: who will succeed Patrick Lagacé in the return home? Names will soon be circulating. For some, the hockey draft is a passion, for me this game of speculation is a huge source of pleasure. We will talk about it again, there is no doubt!