(CMR) Cayman Cross Talk host, Barrie Quappe, will be handing over the hosting mantel to Chanda Glidden, a life coach, after just four months into the position. She announced it this morning as a “surprise” despite the fact that CMR discussed over a week ago that rumors were afoot that she was being moved out of the hosting chair.
She also confirmed that a second host may be joining the program but that negotiations were ongoing with that person. An announcement would be made next week if that is finalized.
Giving a bit of backdrop to who she returned to hosting the program she had shared that she had been asked last minute by the publisher of the Cayman Compass, Kathleen Capetta, to take over the reins of the show in January because they had a talk show with “no host”. From this statement, it appears that the decision to fire DaCosta was not well thought through.
She was informed that she was chosen because of her “veteran status” until the “Compass could figure out how to embrace Cayman CrossTalk and make it their own.”
She notes that she is very busy and this was only meant to be a transitional role for her. Oddly, this version of events was not shared on her first show appearance when she became emotional about taking over from Woody DaCosta who had been fired without notice just days prior. In fact, at the time she spoke of her vision for the program and new stylistic approach.
Despite her explanation for her removal, it was revealed to CMR weeks ago that declining viewership and show sponsors had driven the decision to replace her by May 1. The show lost popularity after DaCosta was terminated on December 31.
The morning talk show has seen decreasing number since management decided to dismiss Woody DaCosta at the end of 2020 after five and a half years in the hosting seat. Many regular listeners decided to boycott the weekday show after DaCosta's departure and the online numbers reflected a 75% decrease on most days.
The show underwent a number of changes including a revised timeslot and a softer approach to discussion including fewer political discussions and more coverage of NPO's and business interests. Despite pulling in additional co-hosts and guests it appears that Quappe was not able to bring in the numbers. During the campaign, despite inviting political guests into the studio many shows did not break the 500 views mark with an all-time low of 90 views on March 26.
The declining numbers have made advertising unhappy with several deciding to place current advertising contracts on hold until further notice.
Chanda Glidden was an attorney at law at Glidden Law that has transitioned into a life and leadership coach for four years at Chanda V Coaching. She worked at Appelby as an associate in the Private Client and Trusts practice group. She joined Quappe on the morning show to discuss her future vision for the program. The pair reviewed the Compass together and discusses articles in the Friday edition of the newspaper.
The pair struggled to give away a gift basket from CEL Beauty Supply and at one point noted that they didn't need 10 callers – just one caller would do. By the end of the show she was introducing herself as the new host of Cayman Crosstalk.
She shared that she's an avid shooter. It remains to be seen if the change will be enough to save the Cayman Crosstalk show.
This was Quappe's third round as host on the morning program over the past 19 years.
In April, the Compass advertised that they were looking for “a voice that represents Cayman, our islands, people and heritage” through an open audition casting call on social media.
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