I noticed there's a sidebar in that article on the famous sign located inside CHUM - "Through this door passes the finest air staff in the world." Whatever became of that iconic plaque? Did someone take it with them when the station left 1331 Yonge St.? Did it move to the new building? (It can't quite match that boast these days!) What became of it? Anyone know?


(Courtesy Doug Thompson's CHUM Tribute site)

Thanks Lorne. Your research skills know no boundaries!

Another surprise from the article is that Rogers tried to get the licence for what would eventually become MuchMusic, but it went to CHUM instead. Even when the station was for sale, they still missed it - Bell, the new owner of CHUM, kept it when they took over City TV. 

Of course, the cable version of Much (which would have been called something else entirely, since the name is an anagram of CHUM) is now a shadow of its former self and barely plays any music anymore. But it would have been a big feather in CFTR's cap had they gotten the licence over their arch rival all those years ago. 

Doug Thompson wrote:

I believe a certain legendary CHUM AM/FM air personality has that sign.  I can say no more!  In the CHUM Archives, I have the sign that said "Through this doors passes the finest operators in the world."  That was posted over the door to the control room.  That came down (and was stored in the basement) when CHUM built a new AM control room and the jocks went announce-op. 

So what's the provenance of the current version of that sign hanging above the CHUM-FM studio door on Richmond Street? 

 (Apologies for the blurry picture!)

Last edited by fybush (April 11, 2023 7:50 pm)

This article came out in April 1984 and I believe in the fall is when CFTR overtook CHUM in the ratings.  I was always surprised when CHUM bailed on top 40 in June 1986.  TR wasn't that far ahead of them in terms of cume but they had been leading 1050 overall for almost two years.

I  found it interesting when CFTR brought in one of the best on air talents in North America in August 1981 with John Landecker. As good as Landecker was, he lost the morning crown for top 40/rock to CHUM's Roger Ashby.  TR had been beating 1050 CHUM in the mornings for a couple of years with Jim Brady.  Maybe John Landecker wasn't as well known in Toronto as some thought. 

Landecker reportedly was bored at WLS and wanted to do mornings.  CFTR gave him this opportunity and his morning show was excellent and well promoted.  John had great rapport with the news team and traffic on air, but his longer produced bits were rare in Toronto radio.

I always liked and respected Landecker because he was a great top 40 announcer in addition to being an entertainer.  Some of the other big time jocks in this era were all entertainment,  with long self indulgent bits but were not good announcers.  Also liked that Landecker didn't make the show all about himself like so many others. 

 

Interesting that the CRTC did not see Rogers as having sufficient financial and other resources to launch a music TV service.  The CRTC in the 1984 decision relied on the experience of CHUM and CityTV.  One might recall that Moses Znaimer was already programming music-related content on CityTV including "The New Music" and had music video shows on the station.  That apparently was part of the winning strategy.  One might also remember that there was a fairly strict policy of not awarding Pay and Specialty TV to cable companies.  Though that wasn't stated in the decision.  Some key quotes: (Rogers is CMTV). "The Commission was encouraged by the innovative and attractive programming alternatives presented by the three applicants for a music video specialty licence. The Commission recognizes, however, that such ambitious programming concepts can only be realized with substantial financial resources, supported by programming and marketing expertise. Notwithstanding the interesting and imaginative programming plans submitted by CMTV Canadian Music Television Ltd., the Commission was not convinced, based on the application and additional information presented at the hearing, that the applicant has sufficient financial resources to establish and operate a discretionary music video specialty service and, therefore, denies this application. The Commission found that the applications by CHUM Limited (CHUM/CITY-TV) and Rogers Radio Broadcasting Limited (Rogers) were both well-researched and financially sound, with substantial commitments for the development of a quality Canadian music video service. The Commission is convinced, however, that, based on the size of the potential Canadian market, only one video music network can be licensed at this time. Accordingly, for reasons stated below, the Commission approves the application by CHUM/CITY-TV for a licence to carry on a national, 24-hour-a-day, specialty music service to be distributed via satellite to cable television affiliates on a discretionary, user-pay basis. The Commission will issue a licence to CHUM/CITY-TV expiring 31 March 1989, subject to the conditions specified in this decision and in the licence to be issued. The competing application by Rogers is, therefore, denied. In. reaching its decision, the Commission has taken into consideration various factors, including the ownership and financial stability underlying the CHUM/CITY-TV application, the applicant's extensive experience in broadcasting, and its musical expertise and ongoing support for the development of Canadian musical talent. The Commission has also taken into account the high costs and economic risks involved in the development of such a discretionary music video specialty service and considers that, under the circumstances, CHUM/CITY-TV's plans for a conservative, cost-effective and gradual approach towards the development of a quality discretionary music specialty service, based on existing expertise and resources, represents the most realistic proposal with the greatest potential for success."
 

Last edited by tvguy (April 12, 2023 3:43 pm)

Paul Jeffries wrote:

You don't see near as much competition like that anymore because many stations are owned by the same company. Nowadays it's a competition to see who can save the most money, and many media companies are trying to one up themselves in that regard.


PJ

It would also come across as tacky.

And there are so many brands in so many categories that the effectiveness is diminished.