CONGRATULATIONS to Greg Mackling who is the winner of CJOB's Talk Idol Contest. Greg weathered a gruelling 7 week contest that started with 16 worthy opponents. Greg is a proud husband and father of two-year-old twin boys. He is employed with New Flyer here in Winnipeg but when he heard the promo for the Talk Idol contest, he determined that this was his "calling".

In the contest's preliminary round, Greg provided an editorial comment on rapid transit for Winnipeg, plus he offered comments about why Winnipeg is such a great place to live and raise a family. In the semi-final round, he talked about the current global market meltdown and provided live reports from the East St. Paul police department and Winnipeg Harvest. He also interviewed guests and provided insight on panhandling in Winnipeg.

During the final week, he came up against strong competition in Shawna Taubner. Discussing schools and crime, he also raised awareness for CJOB and himself by re-inventing himself as the Information Superhero and attended the grand opening of the new UPS Store on Henderson in costume. On the final show, Greg snagged an interview with musical celebrity Paul Shaffer, David Letterman's bandleader, but was unable to determine the identity of his mystery guest, Alexander Mickelthwate, Music Director of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra.

As CJOB's Talk Idol, Greg has won a hosting gig on CJOB (details to be announced soon) plus $5000 cash.

CJOB thanks all contestants for the time and effort they invested in the Talk Idol contest. As well, thank you to the listeners who participated in our on-line opinion polls which served as one of the criteria for candidate selection throughout the contest.

To quote Greg Mackling ... "You'll hear him way before you see him!"