Lisa Williams announces retirement from AM800 CKLW

After 38 years with the station, Lisa Williams has announced her retirement from AM800 CKLW.

A long-time trusted voice of AM800 Windsor’s THE MORNING DRIVE with Mike & Lisa, Williams announced her retirement on the program Friday morning.Lisa Williams in studio at AM800 News in Windsor, Ont., on Friday, April 5, 2024. (Chris Campbell/CTV News Windsor)

“It’s been an honour and a privilege to have connected with our morning listeners for almost four decades. My role on THE MORNING DRIVE has always been a labour of love, but I’ve decided to make this change because there are many more things I want to do,” said Williams. “I’m grateful for having the opportunity to work alongside so many remarkable and talented people who have left a mark on my heart."

After a distinguished career, Williams said she is looking forward to more time with family, traveling, and continuing her involvement in local causes and community events.Lisa Williams in studio at AM800 News in Windsor, Ont., on Friday, April 5, 2024. (Chris Campbell/CTV News Windsor)

“I'm 57 and I'm at the time in my life when you hear of really sad stories of people passing away or really not having the time to do what they wanted to do,” Williams explained. “I've talked to a lot of people who have retired and say that they wish they would have done it earlier. So I'm taking my time. My husband has been extremely supportive in this.”

Williams continued that the she’s appreciative of her husband’s support.

“If you don't have a partner who's willing to take that on and you approach retirement as a team, then it can't happen. So I'm grateful for that.”

Williams noted it’s been a career she never expected and one that began almost right out of high school.

“I was a traffic reporter on the morning show and then I developed into a co host on the morning show with Cam Gardiner. And you know, our relationship just took off, and we had that chemistry and that's what really makes a good morning show. Then when Cam stepped away, it was a miracle that Mike was there to fill in as well as he did. So I mean, who knows if I would have stuck around for as long as I have if I didn't have two great co hosts in my career.”

Williams added, “I'm proud of what I've been able to accomplish. I'm proud of how I feel I've been able to serve the people of Windsor-Essex and the community. I really strive to be a professional and I hope I've accomplished that in my career, at least I hope I've been looked at that way and I really feel connected to Windsor-Essex. I mean, it's my home and it's the listeners have been a family to me.”

Co-host Mike Kakuk told CTV News he’s excited for Williams, while admitting he’s not sure who can replace her.

“She's done such an amazing job over so long and gone through so many changes in the media industry and the changes here, in the city and stuff and I think it's gonna be such a big change for the listeners mostly who have woken up to her voice for the last 38 years and to not have her there in the morning,” said Kakuk.

“I think it's going to be a huge change for people and she's going to be missed.”

Kakuk reiterated, “There's no replacing Lisa. It's going to be different. It's just kind of the the way it is I mean, you can't replace someone that you worked with for twenty some years and have that chemistry and that connection with someone right away and the success that we’ve had. So it's gonna be a challenge. It's gonna be a challenge for myself and whoever else is part of the program going forward.”

Williams’ final broadcast as morning show co-host is Friday, May 31.