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It's now owned by Stingray but at one time, NewCap Radio controlled some 72 stations in Canada, including what is now Boom 97.3 in Toronto and stations from Newfoundland to B.C.
Robert Templeton started out in life as a simple DJ but before he was done, he became President of NewCap and had a say in radio outlets from coast to coast. He passed away this week according to a touching obit written by his son and published in Saturday's Toronto Star:
"...he became a radio D.J. in the mountains of Revelstoke, British Columbia...with very limited money. Over the next 20 years, our family resided in Revelstoke, Orillia, Midland, Aurora, Woodstock, Sudbury and eventually landing in Halifax, Nova Scotia where this once D.J. in a little mountain town was now the President of NewCap Broadcasting with over 50 radio stations and 500 employees under his leadership."
Not sure how many here crossed paths with Mr. Templeton during their careers, but he was just 74 when he passed this week, missing his birthday by just over a month.
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I met Bob when I was still in school. Our teacher at Seneca's RTA program Sue Clark would bring in industry professionals to speak about the broadcasting biz.
One day Bob Templeton, who was with Telemedia Radio came to speak to our class. I went up to him after and said, "I want to work with you", he kind of fluffed it off, but with a little pursuing we had lunch about 6 weeks later at the head office on Bay and College and we hit it off. I sent a thank you card as a follow up and a Christmas card too.
I was still in first year and I stayed in touch with Bob, seeking summer employment with one of the stations, and also check in with him to build the relationship.
About a year later in my 2nd year at Seneca in early January, I get a call from Bob asking if I would be open to a sales position at CKMP in Midland. I said yes. I did news on Saturdays and sold air time during the week.
By graduation that year, I had a job in radio and a great mentor. I even brought 2 of my school buddies in to work at Telemedia as well.
I am sorry to hear of this loss. He was a good man.
Oh and of note, the Chicken Soup for the Soul authors Canfield and Hanson, came out with a Best of Chicken Soup for the Soul Cassette Tape (kids in our day we had tapes...lol).
Anyway, one of the stories, on the audio was about Bob and Braden Doer who managed Orillia and Midland, forming a task force of help for the victims of the Tornado that hit Barrie back in 1984...and Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hanson, made mention of it as a Chicken Soup for the Soul story. Not bad for a regional radio group to get that kind of exposure.
RIP Bob, radio was fun back then!
Last edited by Muffaraw Joe (August 28, 2024 12:15 pm)
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Nice story Muffaraw Joe. Thanks for posting it.
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Thanks so much RA. Keep up the great work man!
It was a memorable moment...and a fun, and better time for the broadcasting biz.