diff --git a/piker/data/feed.py b/piker/data/feed.py
index 07df13a1..715cf9d1 100644
--- a/piker/data/feed.py
+++ b/piker/data/feed.py
@@ -325,11 +325,23 @@ async def attach_feed_bus(
         else:
             sub = (stream, tick_throttle)
 
-        bus._subscribers[symbol].append(sub)
+        subs = bus._subscribers[symbol]
+        subs.append(sub)
 
         try:
-            await trio.sleep_forever()
+            async for msg in stream:
 
+                if msg == 'pause':
+                    log.info(
+                        f'Pausing {symbol}.{brokername} feed for {ctx.chan.uid}')
+                    subs.remove(sub)
+
+                elif msg == 'resume':
+                    log.info(
+                        f'Resuming {symbol}.{brokername} feed for {ctx.chan.uid}')
+                    subs.append(sub)
+                else:
+                    raise ValueError(msg)
         finally:
             log.info(
                 f'Stopping {symbol}.{brokername} feed for {ctx.chan.uid}')