Meet Matt Allen, new host of CBC Radio’s Afternoon Drive | CBC News

Matt Allen is coming home to take on a role that will see him guide people back to their homes at the end of their busy work days with stories and tunes from right here in southwestern Ontario. 

The new host of CBC Radio’s Afternoon Drive says he’s thrilled to take over the microphone of the region’s No. 1-rated afternoon radio program. He’ll start that on Monday.

“Getting to work with great people in a place that is evolving so quickly is really exciting. Southwest Ontario has changed so much since I went to school in London and my childhood in the area,” Allen said.

“More people live here now; it’s more diverse than it was a decade ago and the challenges of growth are everywhere. All of these factors create opportunities for interesting stories and conversations that I’m looking forward to having.”

I really want the show to feel like a meeting place.– Matt Allen, Afternoon Drive host

Allen won’t be a stranger to Afternoon Drive listeners. He joined the team last summer, hosting a variety of programs across the region.

That’s when managing editor Erin Noel knew Allen had something to offer audiences.

“Matt has a gift for connecting with people from all walks of life and a vision for bringing southwestern Ontario to life on the radio,” she said. 

“This place is dynamic and evolving and I’m excited to experience the fresh face of the region on Afternoon Drive with Matt as our guide.”

Allen joins the team after spending seven years working in British Columbia, including five with CBC Prince Rupert, where he developed a keen ear for audio that resulted in two national radio awards. 

• You can stream Afternoon Drive live from 4 to 6 p.m. on Windsor or London’s websites.
• Hear it on the CBC Listen app or by tuning in to CBC Radio One on your radio.

“I really want the show to feel like a meeting place where people will hear the kinds of conversation they might have in the grocery store aisle, or at their place of worship or in the lunchroom at work,” Allen said.

“If we can tap into the issues that matter across the region and make people everyone feel like they hear a part of their experience on the radio, I’ll be happy.”

Allen is a competitor at heart, often taking part in triathlons, marathons and bicycle races. 

Is there a person in your community who is doing interesting work? Matt Allen would love to meet them.

Join Matt Allen and the Afternoon Drive team weekdays from 4 – 6 p.m. on CBC Radio, or stream live it on CBC Listen or the CBC London or CBC Windsor page. Have a story idea, traffic tip or just want to say hello? Text them at 519-281-6593.