I wrote to the 650 programming director, Craig MacEwen, after the 1040 death, and told him that he had an opportunity to bolster his crew, and just because they are the only station in town, that doesn't mean I'd be tuning in. He thanked me for the feedback. But the truth is, 650 is on a shoestring budget. Rintoul supports 2 regions, and those guys get paid probably 60% of what the 1040 crew were getting. Granted the 1040 ratings were 3x, but I don't expect 650 to snatch up all that many of the 1040 hosts. If any I'd wager they get Halford and Brough.
The reason that 650 is so bland is they are the rights holders, and they are somewhat at the mercy of Aquilini. He has influence on the flavour of the coverage. He probably was a bit gleeful at the more critical station going away, but the truth is, in my case at least, not having that outlet when the team does poorly, just makes me indifferent to the team as a whole. It doesn't make me tune into 650 where people like Hirsch are now defending the Juolevi pick, for example.
I don't have any love for Donny and Moj - I couldn't listen to that show, but the others I hope land somewhere. There's a big gap in the market now.