Fargo Radio: Talker Christopher Gabriel Leaving WDAY-AM

Christopher Gabriel

After five years with WDAY 970 AM radio in Fargo, Christopher Gabriel announced Monday that he is leaving the station. His last morning drive show will be from 6 to 9 a.m. Friday.

Gabriel moving to California for drive time at iHeartMedia's Power Talk KALZ 96.7 FM / 1400 AMin Fresno.

“For me as a talk-show host, this is the pinnacle, doing afternoon drive at a mid-major market,” Gabriel said Monday.

“It’s always been a privilege to work for WDAY,” he said, adding that every day he made a point of looking at the mural in the building’s reception area, a collage of pictures throughout the years. “It’s always been more than a job. It’s been a tradition carrying forward.”

“We’re sad to see him leave,” said Mike Kapel, program director at WDAY radio. “It sounds like he’s got a great opportunity in California. We’re always excited to see someone get an opportunity that they feel will help them grow in whatever way they’re looking to advance their career.”

Kapel said starting Monday the station would extend the audio airing of WDAY TV’s “First News” from 5 to 7 a.m., with Erick Johnson filling in from 7 to 9 a.m.

A search will begin immediately for a permanent host for the early morning spot, someone to give listeners the news, weather and traffic updates to get their day started, Kapel said.