Nothing against Russ Courtney, who is a perfectly good newsreader, but his story made me realize that the day of the “star” newscaster on local radio is completely over.
 
Not that long ago, nearly every major radio station that was serious about news had a few megawatt stars on their rosters, who also provided commentary. Think Jack Dennett doing the 8 AM news on CFRB. (You can hear a sample of him here.) The ratings for that 10 minute or so major were huge. 1010 also boasted big names like Charles Doering, Tayler Parnaby, Bob Hesketh and of course, Gordon Sinclair. Not to mention Bill Stephenson, with sports. (Sportscasters have all but disappeared from most stations now.)
 
But it wasn’t just “Ontario’s Authoritative News Voice” as they called themselves. CKEY started the day with curmudgeon Joe Morgan and later showcased the great Pete McGarvey. The station also featured Tom Gould, and commentaries from the likes of Stephen Lewis, Charles Templeton and Pierre Berton.  
 
And no one here can forget Dick Smyth, who made CHUM’s news breaks so memorable in the morning, followed later by Brian Henderson.
 
Then there was CFTR, which for a Top 40 station, once boasted the largest private newsroom in Canada. It gave over its morning news (on the half hour) to the fantastic Robert Holiday.
 
Name anyone of similar stature on the air in Toronto these days. They just don’t exist. What happened to those people who were not only serious news people but genuine radio personalities and stars? (And sorry, but David McKee’s half hour news comedy show on 1010 doesn’t really count.) Is it money or has the business changed so much that news is now just an afterthought? Do these kinds of folks still exist somewhere or is that era of radio over forever?
 
Whatever the answer, I kind of miss the star announcers who not only reported but commented on and frequently made news themselves. When did they go out of fashion?

May I wish Russ Courtney a speedy recovery.

I had a severe Appendicitis blow up when I lived in West Vancouver. I arrived at Lion's Gate Hospital. Doctor said - sign this release form!" I said - "I gotta read it first." He said - "You have 30 minutes to live." I signed . 

Was in that hospital for 10 days. They only sent me home because of a nurses strike. But I was in bed at home for a few more weeks. 

All the best to you Russ Courtney. John Moore is a great talent and he will be fine......

Last edited by Marsden (November 17, 2020 3:05 am)

Radiowiz wrote:

RadioActive wrote:

Nothing against Russ Courtney, who is a perfectly good newsreader, but his story made me realize that the day of the “star” newscaster on local radio is completely over.
 

I think the real point is, when you want news you have 680 news, when you want sports today you have the fan and 1050. 
(WAY) back in the day, these options simply did not exist. 

 

680 news is OK for a repetitive headline news service but does not measure up to the news & commentaries of CFRB and CKEY of decades past. If you are looking for authoritative radio newscasts presented in an intelligent
format there is CBC Radio with World Report 3 times each morning and World at Six each evening. Otherwise you
need to go online for the BBC World Service which sets the standard for how radio newscasts should function.

Courtney returned Monday, with provisos that he not lift anything heavy and avoid exercise for a bit. He sounds good, but if he ever writes a book about his experience, you can be sure it won't include an appendix!