McComb is also a fierce advocate for people living with mental illness
The voice is unmistakable.
As Jon McComb greets this reporter in the lobby of Corus Entertainment on West Georgia Street, no introductions are needed. It’s a voice that’s been heard on air for almost 50 years, first as a DJ, later as a news broadcaster and finally as a speaker and vocal advocate for people living with a mental illness.
McComb says his empathy for anyone living with a mental illness comes from his own struggles with anxiety and depression.
On Dec. 1, McComb will have been with CKNW news radio, a division of Corus, for 35 years, the last five hosting the morning show — the early morning show he took over from long-time radio host Philip Till. McComb’s morning show team includes producer Pippa Reed, co-host Niki Reitmayer and tech producer Greg Schott.
“I leave for work at about 4:15, which means I get up at quarter after three,” says McComb. “I’m 65-years old and I tell you, sometimes when that alarm goes off at 3:15, it’s a huge challenge to get up. Before accepting the job, I described it to my wife as a total lifestyle commitment.”
McComb starts the day with a protein/vitamin energy drink, followed by a cup of coffee before getting behind the wheel to make the drive from North Vancouver, where he lives with his wife Kristin McComb. The couple shares four kids, five grandchildren and four cats.
McComb says regular listeners know their oldest son Scott is living with ALS.
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Congratulations to one of the best on air personalities that ever broadcast in Vancouver. Jon is right up their with all the greats that worked at NW over the years. His days on the pm drive debating with Phil Till were memorable and often funny. His ability to adjust and soldier on at a radio station that has been downsizing for the last 17 years has managed to keep him at the top of talk radio in Vancouver.
For the past few years I have found that NW has moved from the middle of the road to the left lane. Not sure how comfortable JM is driving in the left lane, but of all NWs” regular” show hosts he is still the most balanced.
I do not know John, but his advocacy for those stricken with mental health issues, including his clarity of those issues that afflict the DTEastside, I believe will be his legacy. He has used his personal circumstance and enormous public platform to help us understand the less fortunate. It is not ‘right’ or ‘left’ leaning, but rather a sign of character, and a true moral compass.
Good for Jon and his 35 years and all his hard work, but don’t count me in as a listener. I changed my morning routine 5 years ago when he signed on. I don’t like his politics or his on-air demeanor.
Congrats on 35 years.
Jon, Congratulations. However, I don’t like the morning format anymore for many reasons, but what really bugs me is his new sidekick Nicki Rightmyer. Sorry, I just can’t stand listening to her, and that not so subtle laugh… Among other things.
Nicki has quite a few years to gain political and historical experience. Being self reliant on Google doesn’t do it.