Montreal’s Paul Arcand to host last radio show Friday [Video]

It’s the end of an era for a giant of Quebec media. 

Known as the “king of the airwaves,” radio personality Paul Arcand is set to step away Friday from his wildly popular morning show on Montreal’s 98.5 FM.

His departure from “Puisqu’il faut se lever,” which translates to “Since we have to get up,” has sent ripples across the province and prompted a flood of tributes from politicians, journalists and members of the public. 

“(His show) is almost a religion,” said Claudine Blais, a guest professor of journalism at Université de Montréal and a former journalist with Radio-Canada. “It’s almost like going to church or going to mass for those who work in politics or media. Paul Arcand is indispensable.”

Known for his direct style and distaste for political doublespeak, Arcand has been a fixture of morning talk radio in Quebec for 34 years.

He has been at 98.5 …