Year Born: 1921
Year Died: 2013
Year of Induction: 2001
Pioneer – Member of CAB Hall of Fame
Stirling, Geoffrey W. (1921-2013)
Geoff Stirling – Chairman of the Board of Stirling Communications International – broadcaster, printer, publisher, author and film maker – will be best remembered for his spectacular career as a broadcaster.
Born in St. John’s Newfoundland in 1921, Geoff’s professional career began in 1946 when he founded The Sunday Herald, in St. Johns. After Newfoundland joined Canada in 1949, Geoff launched St. Johns’ second commercial radio station – CJON. In 1955. he launched St. Johns’ first television station CJON-TV.
Geoff then turned his attention westward, with new broadcasting enterprises that included CKGM Montreal (1959), CKWW Windsor, Ontario (1964) CKPM Ottawa (1964), CHOM-FM Montreal (1965), CJOM-FM Windsor (1966) and KSWW Arizona (1967).
Back in Newfoundland, Geoff built CJCN-TV in Grand Falls (1965). CJOX-TV, Grand Bank (1966), CJCR- TV Gander (1974), CJWN-TV Corner Brook (1974) and in 1977 set-up the OZ FM Radio Network throughout Newfoundland. CJON-TV has been acclaimed as being the first 24-hour television broadcaster in North America.
Over the years, Geoff’s service to the community as a broadcaster resulted in millions being raised for Newfoundland charities. Geoff himself received many honours throughout his career from many distinguished organizations, including the New York Writers Association, the California Film Board and the New Delhi Film Board.
In 2001, Geoffrey W. Stirling was inducted into the CAB Broadcast Hall of Fame.
Geoff Stirling died on December 21st 2013.
Written by J. Lyman Potts – October, 2001