David ''Ace'' Cannon Exits Syndicated ''Ace & TJ Show''

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, September 20, 2024 | 4:19pm CT

''Ace & TJ Show''

After a 25-year run, the "Ace & TJ Show" has come to an official end, with a new iteration of the program already in development. On Friday, the show's official Facebook page announced the launch of the "TJ & Riggins Show," starting on Monday, September 23. The post confirmed that much of the same content and features will remain, but also hinted at upcoming changes.

Notably, David "Ace" Cannon is no longer part of the lineup, leaving Ritchie "TJ" Beams to partner with Bryan "Riggins" Weber as the new co-host. This announcement generated a strong reaction from fans, with 2,700 responses in the first five hours.

In Charlotte, The Ace & TJ Show had recently been airing in afternoons on Beasley Media Group's WKQC (K104.7) after replacing The Phil & Mel Show, which was cut due to budget constraints across Beasley's operations. Prior to this, the show had returned for a second stint at WNKS.

Though now discontinued, the "Ace & TJ Show" had a significant regional presence, airing in multiple markets across the South. It was broadcast in cities such as Birmingham, Knoxville and Richmond, as well as smaller markets like Paducah KY, Cape Girardeau MO and Paris, TN.

The "Ace & TJ Show" had been a staple of Charlotte radio since its debut in 1998 on WNKS (Kiss 95.1). At the time, the market for morning shows was competitive, with several local personalities vying for listeners in the CHR format. However, the show quickly became popular for its mix of humor, relatability, and audience interaction, giving it a strong foothold in Charlotte's radio landscape.

The dynamic between David "Ace" Cannon and Ritchie "TJ" Beams helped differentiate the show. Ace was known for his laid-back, relatable style, while TJ often brought a more outspoken and comedic edge. Together, they built a loyal audience, not only in Charlotte but across multiple markets. Over time, they expanded their reach beyond local radio, becoming known across the Southeast as their program gained syndication.

In 2011, after more than a decade at WNKS, the duo's departure came at a time when the station was undergoing shifts in its lineup, a common occurrence in the competitive CHR format. Their move to WHQC (Channel 96.1) in early 2012 kept them within Charlotte but under a new corporate structure with iHeartMedia. Their return was eagerly anticipated, and they retained much of their audience through this transition.

By 2021, after nearly a decade at WHQC, the changing landscape of radio -- coupled with shifts in how listeners consumed content via podcasts and streaming platforms led to the "Ace & TJ" Show being dropped by iHeartMedia. This didn't mark the end of the show, however, as they took a different approach by becoming self-syndicated. This allowed them to have full creative control and ownership, which is rare in today's corporate-driven radio environment.

In Charlotte, their return to the airwaves at WKQC (K104.7) marked a shift from mornings to afternoons, signaling a new chapter in their tenure with a broader appeal to an older, classic AC audience. The program replaced The Phil & Mel Show, which was a casualty of Beasley Media's financial restructuring.