Maripier Morin finds a microphone. Next fall, she will host the morning show of WKND 99.5 in Montreal.
The news was announced Wednesday morning. Maripier Morin will join the team ofWe’re going the same way! starting Monday, August 21. She will be supported by Patrick Langlois and Vincent Dessureault from Monday to Friday, from 5:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.
In a press release, WKND’s program director, Benoit Simard, indicated that the hiring of Maripier Morin was part of the “bold and avant-garde current” of the antenna. “We are among those who believe in the rehabilitation process. She worked hard to resolve her issues and to grow through this process. We followed her journey and found that she seriously undertook and accomplished a complete process proving to us that she deserves a second chance,” he said.
“Over the past few months, we have met a calm, lucid and very determined woman,” continued Benoit Simard. A mother who has had ups and downs and whose great authenticity matches that of the leaders in place and with the vibes WKND. »
Maripier Morin declined our interview request. For his part, Benoit Simard was “unavailable” to answer our questions.
Invited on WKND at the end of the afternoon, the host revealed that she had not consulted social networks since the announcement. “Because what made me a bit of a crackpot is also that: the external validation. »
The new recruit seemed worried about being hurt as he read the public’s reactions. “Because for the 100 nice comments, it’s the negative one that I’m going to stick with. »
Remember that Maripier Morin disappeared from the media space in 2020, after being the subject of allegations of racism, sexual misconduct and physical assault, in particular by Safia Nolin. Since then, she has held the poster ofArlette, a feature film directed by Mariloup Wolfe. She also hosts the podcast Seeds of hopewhich addresses addiction.
A growing station
Its arrival on the air will certainly shine the spotlight on WKND, a young station that is gaining ground in Montreal. According to the latest Numéris survey, which covered the months of December, January and February, the antenna garnered market share of 4.2 from adults aged 24 to 54, the target of advertisers. This is a 75% increase over the previous winter. Launched in 2020, WKND 99.5 comes to 7e ranked among the most listened to stations in Francophone Greater Montreal, behind 98.5 FM, ICI Première, Rythme, Rouge, Énergie and CKOI, but ahead of ICI Musique, 91.9 Sports and Radio circulation.
Reached by telephone, Patrick Langlois believes that this is an excellent take for WKND. A hiring that reflects the values of openness of the company, explains the host, who finds his “former colleague and friend” nearly ten years later It begins wellthe morning show they piloted in tandem on V. “Maripier is one of the greatest talents who didn’t have a microphone,” points out Patrick Langlois.
On Facebook, the announcement of the recruitment of Maripier Morin received a warm welcome from the faithful of WKND. Several of them hailed the “audacity” of the antenna. “Finally an employer who believes a human can have a second chance,” wrote one listener.