CHUM-AM

York Broadcasters Ltd. was incorporated October 2. The company was then issued a licence by the Department of Transport to operate a new 1,000 watt radio station in Toronto, to be designated as CHUM. Around the same time, the company announced that R.T. Fulford was elected president and Al Leary, managing director of the new station. Fulford was president of C.E. Fulford Ltd. Leary had been manager of CKCL Toronto for 14 years. 

CHUM’s construction was delayed by a freeze on the building of new stations and the purchase of new equipment by the Department of Munitians & Supply, because of the shortage of certain materials needed for the prosecution of war. Before the freeze, CHUM’s new transmitter was packed and all ready to ship by Western Electric.

Managing director Al Leary announced in September that the new 1,000 watt CHUM would begin broadcasting in late October or the first week of November. CHUM would be the only Toronto area station operating on 60 cycles and would use the 1050 kHz frequency. The station would be operated by York Broadcasters Ltd., operated by Toronto businessmen R.T. Fulford (president), J.H.Q. Part, Al Leary and E.A. Byworth. Staff at this point would include Sgt. Dick MacDougall, formerly of CKCL and CFRB, and Dunc Chisholm, D.F.M., formerly with the R.C.A.F., and often heard on Air Force radio. Leary said it would be station policy to engage as many servicemen as possible. Plans were being made to establish a news department with an experienced reporter to cover important local happenings. Mayor Saunders would broadcast a half-hour talk on community affairs each Sunday. Jack Part was in the patent medicine business. He wanted a radio licence so he could promote the sale of his products.

Dick Dickinson joined the announce staff of CHUM from the Department of Transport (Radio Branch). He broke into the business at CHNC (New Carlisle, QC) and was then transferred from the technical staff to CKNB (Campbellton, NB) as chief announcer and studio engineer (before moving to CHUM). 

CHUM Radio began broadcasting on October 28. Howard B. Chase of the CBC Board of Governors (to retire on November 15) spoke to the audience in the opening broadcast. He said, “The great duty of the privately owned stations is to provide service to their own special community, and it was for this reason that station CHUM was licensed”. Mayor Robert Saunders also addressed the audience on opening day as well. 

The daytime only station operated on a frequency of 1050 kHz with a power of 1,000 watts. Studios and offices were on the top floor of the Hermant Building at 21 Dundas Square. The transmitter site was on Lot 5, Concession 3, east of Yonge Street (south-east corner of Don Mills Road and Lawrence Avenue East), North York Township, York County. One 233 foot tower was used. CHUM – “The Friendly Station” – was owned and operated by York Broadcasters Ltd. CHUM was Toronto’s fifth radio station and the first new station for the city, of the post-war era. 

Programming in the early days consisted of a popular weekly report from the city’s mayor, two daily live musical programs; a breakfast routine with such personalities as Monty Hall and Larry Mann, and a noon-hour country and western show known as the Danforth Radio Show. Dick MacDougal was CHUM’s first announcer and program director. 

Announcer Wally Hopper left CHUM.

CHUM established its own merchandising division. The department put out a monthly publication with separate editions for the grocery and drug trades, and was experimenting with a listener sheet to be distributed free to every home in the city. “CHUM, The Retailer’s Friend”, consisted largely of merchandising information about products in these two fields, advertised over the station.

Neil LaRoy and Nancy Graham were added to CHUM’s special features staff. Alf Stanton was now handling CHUM’s music department. He had been with CKEY.

In the spring, a fire in the Hermant Building’s basement forced CHUM off the air for a time. Phone service was lost and the program feed from the studios to the transmitter site was cut. Station staff jumped into action and set up a temporary studio at the transmitter building. Programming resumed the following day from the temporary studio location. 

R. T. Fulford announced his retirement as president of York Broadcasters Ltd. John H. Part, secretary-treasurer, was elected president having withdrawn from Mason’s United Advertisers Agency Ltd. Fulford would take up the post of vice-president of York Broadcasters. Part would remain president of Mason Remedies Ltd. and International Associated Products Ltd. 

Later in the year, Rolly Ford was appointed manager of CHUM. He had been commercial manager and would continue in that role as well.

CHUM was erecting a new building on Mutual Street near Carlton. It was hoped the station would move in to the new facility, early in 1947.

Johnny Lombardi began his broadcasting career at CHUM. The future owner of CHIN Radio hosted a Sunday afternoon program. 

There was a fire in the Hermant Building, home of CHUM. The fire cut off all phone communications and completely severed the lines between the studios and East York transmitter site. The following day, staff were able to set up an emergency studio and broadcast directly from the transmitter site. When the BUP newswire failed, threatening the station’s scheduled hourly newscasts, news editor Fred Wilson went to BUP’s office and phoned flashes to the transmitter site as they came over the wires. The information was taken down by shorthand and transcribed for the announcers. 

Bob Martin was an announcer. Roland Koster was an operator. Fred Wilson was news editor.

The CHUM sales department was reorganized. Gerry Purcell and Bill Slade were placed in charge of all business for national accounts. Both were recent army discharges. Traffic officer Vern Page hosted a Sunday afternoon safety broadcast on CHUM. 

R.T. Fulford announced his retirement as president of York Broadcasters Ltd. John H. Part, secretary-treasurer was elected president, having withdrawn from Mason’s United Advertisers Agency Ltd. Fulford would take up the post of vice-president of York Broadcasters while Part remained as president of Mason Remedies Ltd. and International Associated Products Ltd. 

Al Leary, former part owner and managing director of CHUM, opened a new office in San Francisco where he would represent Canadian radio stations and publications in California, Oregon and Washington.

CHUM was erecting a new office and studio complex on Mutual Street, near Carlton. It was expected to be ready for use in 1947.
Passengers on all flights of American Airlines at Toronto were provided with last minute sports scores courtesy of the CHUM newsroom.

Commercial manager Rolly Ford was appointed manager of CHUM. He entered radio in 1930 at CJCJ Calgary. He also worked at the Vancouver Sun, CJOR Vancouver and the National Film Board and served with the RCAF. Ford joined the CHUM sales staff earlier this year and was then appointed commercial manager. As manager, he would continue on in the commercial manager role. Harry sayers, formerly with “Marketing”, was appointed public relations director for CHUM.

CHUM’s new building was expected to be open for business around March 17. Centrally located on Mutual Street at Granby, one block from Maple Leaf Gardens, the new facility contained a spacious auditorium. The main enterence led right into the auditorium. The studios were in the main part of the building and offices were in the wings on either side.

CHUM was offering listeners up to $5.00 for the best news story sent in for “Tele-Flash News”.

Bill Lennox joined the CHUM announce staff. Vern Hill joined the CHUM announce staff from CHML in Hamilton. Joan Orr joined the CHUM sales department from CKLN Nelson where she was manager.

In early May, CHUM manager Rolly Ford, announced the station hoped to move into its new building later in the month. The building was one-story, had a frontage of 102 feet and a depth of 89 feet. It had a basement and provision for a second floor. 

The CHUM studios and offices moved to the Fulpart Building, 225 Mutual Street at Granby in Toronto. The name Fulpart represented R. T. Fulford and John (Jack) H. Part. The impressive new one-storey building incorporated many of the latest developments in studio design. The location was later sold to RCA Studios and the failing radio station settled for less imposing quarters at 250 Adelaide Street West.

Dick MacDougal left for the CBC. Bill Pring (operator) left CHUM for CKNX in Wingham. Dennis Olorenshaw joined CHUM as publicity director. 

CHUM had an FM mobile unit. 

The CBC Board recommended for approval, CHUM’s application for an FM station (100.7 MHz, 3,200 watts, 204 feet above average terrain).

The CBC also recommended for approval, the transfer of 799 shares in York Broadcasters Ltd.

Ron McAllister hosted “Matter of Opinion”.

The CBC Board approved a change of operating hours for the FM station. This would enable CHUM-FM to have a full broadcasting schedule which had to date been restricted by the day only hours of CHUM-AM.

CHUM introduced a profit-sharing plan for its employees. The plan would give employees from five to 25% of their annual payroll earnings with the actual percentage being determined by the station’s total sales volume rather than on net profits.

Ted Root was the new commentator on Spotlight Sports Parade. Some on-air names and programs: Michael Hopkins (City Hall News), Stephen Trent (Blightly Calling – Saturdays), Larry Mann (Larry’s Coffe Shop – 6:45 to 9:00 a.m.), Our Town (2:30 to 3:00 p.m.), Holiday Newsreel (6-7 p.m.) and For Men Only (Saturdays). Phil Stone was sports director and announcer.  He came to the station on February 1. Adele Evans hosted a program of children’s stories and was known as Aunt Susan. Bob Hall and Verne Hill were on the announce staff. Aurele Boisvert was chief engineer. Ken Smith and Mel Lovell were operators.

Slogan: More local advertisers use CHUM than ALL other Toronto stations combined! CHUM gets results!

Mike Hopkins left CHUM to become manager of the new CKLB (formerly CKDO) in Oshawa. Al Collins, another former CHUM employee, would be president and general manager of the Oshawa station. 

Gord Atkinson brought his Bing Crosby program over to CHUM from CFRB. He also became the station’s record librarian. Chuck Cook joined CHUM’s announce staff from WEBR in Buffalo. He had worked in Western Canadian radio before moving to the U.S. Don Macleod left CHUM to become commercial manager at CKNW in New Westminster. Vern Hill read news. Leigh Stubbs was program director. John Cleary was an announcer. Phil Stone was sports director. Mel Lovell was an engineer. Harry Rasky was news editor. He left CHUM news for the CKEY news department. Former CHUMer Bill Todd had also joined CKEY. The Johnny Lombardi Show was on CHUM. Josh King was on-air at the station. 

Jack Part announced the appointment of Bob Lee as CHUM’s manager. Lee had been the station’s commercial manager and succeeded Rolly Ford who entered the selling field.

Adele Evans known on-air as Aunt Susan, hosted a daily children’s program on CHUM. Former commercial manager Don Macleod was named manager of KATY in San Luis Obispo, California. 

Roy Green joined CHUM as an operator. He had been with CHNO Sudbury.

Wendy Paige (Leigh Stubbs) was women’s commentator.

Gord Atkinson left CHUM for Ottawa’s CFRA. Roy Green was named chief operator of CHUM. Bob Lee was manager. 

Late in the year, CHUM made a change to its format. The only dusk-to-dawn station in the country could not afford big names like the larger Toronto stations so decided to have no names at all…just quiet melodic music, with occasional broadcasts not of news but just the headlines.

The BBG approved the transfer of 40,000 common shares in York Broadcasters Ltd.

Stan Edwards became special events director. 

Roy Partridge joined CHUM’s announcing staff. He had been with CKCK Regina and CJOB Winnipeg. 

Jack Part, president of Adrem Ltd. and CHUM Radio, stepped down in favour of Allan F. Waters. Part would spend more time with Adrem Ltd. in the U.S. and abroad. Waters would preside over CHUM which would continue to be managed by Bob Lee. He would also concern himself with the domestic side of Adrem Ltd. 

CHUM completed moving its office and transmitting facilities into more modern quarters at 250 Adelaide Street West. Studios and offices had been at 225 Mutual St. RCA Victor’s recording division took over the vacated Mutual St. building.

Bob Lee (manager) left to form his own business. Allan Waters, president of the station since the start of year added the title of manager to his presidential duties. Bob’s wife, Leigh, remained as program director. 

Cam Lanford was an announcer. Harvey Kirk was in the news department. Globe & Mail columnist Frank Tumpane was doing a daily newscast on CHUM. Pat Bennett was in the news department. 

Hurricane Hazel hit southern Ontario between October 15 and 17. CHUM was a daytime-only station but it came on the air at 5:00 a.m. Saturday with Harvey Kirck giving a full report on the storm. The station sent out no mobile crews as such reports were being fed to the station by The Toronto Telegram. The station’s entire staff showed up for work though – on their day off. President Allan Waters called the Department of Transport in Ottawa to see if CHUM could stay on the air past sunset due to the storm. DOT contacted the FCC in Washington and both regulators gave CHUM permission to stay on-air to 7:30 p.m. – two hours later than normal. CHUM had to protect a station in New York City on 1050 kHz.

CHUM and the Toronto Telegram had a working agreement as of November, which gave CHUM use of all Telegram news gathering facilities. CHUM had a direct line to the Telegram newsroom.

On December 11, Allan Waters purchased York Broadcasters Ltd. (CHUM) from Jack Part. Waters was President of Part’s Adrem Ltd. and Private Brands Packagers Ltd. Waters traded his shares in these companies for a down payment and paid $500.00 a month for sole ownership of CHUM. The station had been losing $3,500. Waters knew from the start that if CHUM were to survive, it would have to move to full-time operation and have an audience attracting format.

Roy Green left CHUM.

On May 18, CHUM was licensed to begin transmitting from a new site: Lot 7, Concession 3, east of Yonge Street, North York Township, York County. Power was 1,000 watts.

The sale of York Broadcasters Ltd. to Allan F. Waters was approved by the CBC Board of Governors.

Slogans: Everybody’s Turning CHUM! Toronto’s exciting daytime radio station! / Sixth in Ontario! CHUM-Radio-1050 K.C. – Toronto’s exciting daytime station!

Frank Tumpane did the 8 a.m. news. Phil Stone handled the 8:10 a.m. sports. Harvey Kirck hosted the “1050 Morning Show”. Allen Cupples was program director at CHUM. He was also emcee of Trans Atlantic Family Favourites.

CHUM applied for a power increase from 1,000 watts day-only to 2,500 watts, day and night.

CHUM was removed from the “unfair list” of Local 1050 of the American Federation of Musicians and from the defaulters’ list of that union. A disagreement between CHUM’s previous owner and the union had now been settled by current owner, Allan F. Waters. 

CHUM received CBC Board approval to increase power from 1,000 to 2,500 watts and to increase its broadcast day from daytime only to 24 hours.

Program line-up: Morning Show (6-9), Are You Happy? (9-9:45), Chapel Chimes (9:45-10), Date with Dobbs (Harvey Dobbs) (10-11:30), Morning Varieties (11:30-noon), Country Caravan (noon-1), Italian Show (1-2), Main Street Toronto (2-4:30), 
Window on the World (4:30-5), Bumper Parade (5-7), Promendade (7-?).

On May 27 at 6:00 a.m., CHUM increased power from 1,000 watts to 2,500 watts. The transmitter site was moved from northeast Toronto to 4 Wyandotte Avenue, Algonquin Island, in Toronto Bay. Two 100 foot towers were used at the new site. The station had operated from sunrise to sunset and was now on the air 24 hours a day. CHUM had hoped to make the changes by May 1 but all fell in to place for the end of the month instead.

On the same date, at the same time, CHUM began offering a “new sound” to its listeners. It was Canada’s first Top 50 (Hit Parade) music format. The format also featured news at five minutes before the hour and DJ chatter was kept to a minimum. The Top 50 was determined by the station’s own polling. To go with the new sound, a printed hit parade music chart was issued for the first time on this date. It was decided that a cat would be the trademark for the station, so a contest was held to name the cat. The name would eventually be Clementine.

Program Line-Up – May 27, 1957: Phil Ladd (6-9), Harvey Dobbs (9-12), Josh King (12-1), Phil Stone (1-5), Pete Nordheimer (5-7), Unknown (7-9), Pete Nordheimer (9-12) and Hank Noble (overnights). Hank Noble was also known as country and western singer & performer Billy Guitar – on “The GAR Ranch” Fridays at 10:30 on CHUM. Harvey Kirck and Rennie Heard were in the news department. By the end of the year, Al Boliska had joined the staff as morning man and Dave Johnson was now with the station.

York Broadcasters was owned by Allan F. Waters 99.8%, Mrs. M. V. Waters 0.1%, and Eunice Carroll 0.1%. Allan Waters was president of the company and CHUM’s manager. Phil Stone was executive vice president (and sports director). Phil Ladd was program director. Pat Bennet was news director. George Jones was chief engineer. Later in the year, Wes Armstrong would come on board as commercial manager.

November programming: Al Boliska (6-9), Harvey Dobbs (9-noon), Josh King (noon-1), Phil Stone (1-5), Pete Nordheimer (5-midnight) and Hank Nobles (midnight to 6). Phil Ladd was heard on weekends.

Richard (Dick) Arthur MacDougal passed away February 15, at the age of 41. He was CHUM’s first announcer and program director. 

Slogan: NEW CHUM RADIO! Dial 1050 – brings you Toronto’s own Hit Parade – 24 hours daily! 

Hank Noble was not only the all-night DJ on CHUM but he was also the country & western singer known as Billy Guitar. Guitar and his GAR Ranch Boys broadcast over CHUM – live – on Friday nights.

CHUM received approval to increase power from 2,500 watts daytime only to 5,000 watts day and 2,500 watts at night. The transmitter site would be unchanged. Related print ad: Soon 5000 watts. Radio ONE in Toronto. The NEW CHUM. The power increase took place on June 12. 

Announcers: Al Boliska (6-9), Harvey Dobbs (9-12), Al Boliska (12-1), Pete Nordheimer (1-4), Phil Stone (4-7), Dave Johnson (7-12) and Jay Jackson (12-6). The Saturday line-up was similar to weekdays but CHUM offered quite a different sound on Sundays. Programs included Revival Hour, Fred Victor Mission, People’s Church, Johnny Lombardi, Hit Parade, CHUM Speaks (this program was a 90 minute public service show from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., added this year. It replaced a music show), Your Children, High Park Baptist, Scouting, Mayor Reports, and Danforth Gospel. Harvey Dobbs left in February and was replaced by John Spragge in March. Spragge had joined CHUM as a copywriter. Program director Phil Ladd left the station. He was replaced by Allan Slaight in May. Slaight had been with Edmonton’s CHED. Phil Stone left in May (he had been a vice president). Jay Jackson left in August and was replaced the following month by Bob Laine. Harvey Kirck was a news editor. Bob Laine joined CHUM from CFRS Simcoe.

CHUM listener and horse breeder Cliff Bennett named his latest thoroughbred colt, “CHUM Phil”, because he was listening to CHUM’s Phil Stone, when his mare Gildsy folded. 

Lyn Salloum joined CHUM as merchandising director…from Ronalds Advertising. Dave Johnson was an announcer. Al Slaight was production manager. Wes Armstrong was CHUM’s commercial manager (bother of CKEY’s commercial manager, Jim Armstrong).

Ad slogan: Radio ONE in Toronto – the new CHUM – 5000 watts – 1050 kcs.

Studios and offices moved from 250 Adelaide St. W. to 1331 Yonge St. on April 24. The two-storey building previously belonged to Ginn Publishing.

York Broadcasters Ltd. became Radio CHUM-1050 Ltd. on April 27. 

June: Al Boliska (6-9), John Spragge (9-12), Al Boliska (12-1), Pete Nordheimer (1-4), Mike Darow (4-7), Dave Johnson (7-12) and Bob Laine (12-6). 

In January, the program line-up was unchanged through the day but there were some night-time changes. Dave Johnson was on from 7-11. He was followed by Lou Snider from 11:00 to 11:30 and Basin Street from 11:30 to midnight.

Harvey Kirck left CHUM news for CHCH-TV in Hamilton. Fred Sherratt joined CHUM. He had been with a radio station in Truro, N.S. Al Boliska was morning host. Allen Farrell was CHUM’s promotion director. Allan Slaight was program director. Also at CHUM: Joyce Davidson and Alan Millar.

In February CHUM began holding an introductory Institute on Broadcasting at North Toronto Collegiate. The institute helped young people learn about the broadcasting industry. CHUM’s public service and live talent director Phil Stone directed the course.

Ads: Always a jump ahead – CHUM 1050 – survey proven No 1 in Toronto radio. / CHUM…more listeners in Metropolitan Toronto than the next TWO COMBINED!* CHUM…42% more adult listeners than station B, 226% more adult listeners than station C. (* The A.C. Nielsen survey, representative of 467,500 homes in Ontario’s central area, includes Metropolitan Toronto, and the remainder of Peel, York and Ontario Counties. Figures based on A.C. Nielsen Broadcast Index, June-July, 1960, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m., Monday – Friday). CHUM’s spectacular audience increase is due to two important factors: 1 CHUM’s independent and dependable news coverage. 2 CHUM’s program concept of broad audience appeal which embraces listener participation, music public service and live talent. CHUM-1050 … Radio One In Toronto!

Allan F. Waters (president of CHUM Toronto) and Ralph Snelgrove (president of CKBB-AM/CKVR-TV Barrie) signed a deal to purchase CKPT-AM Peterborough which only went on the air last November. The sale was subject to BBG approval. Waters and Snelgrove would take over as controlling managers until the regulatory approval. The purchase was approved by the regulator.

In July, Bob MacAdorey was now on the air from 1-4. Dave Johnson was now on from 7 to 10:30 p.m. He was now followed by Larry Solway’s Speak Your Mind talk show. Billy O’Connor hosted a half hour of news at 11:00, then Johnson would be back on from 11:30 to midnight. Other names at CHUM in 1961: Bill Drylie (news), Pierre Berton (commentary), Trent Frayne, June Callwood, Kim McIlroy, J. J. Richards and Gary Ferrier. Pete Nordheimer had left CHUM by this time.

The November schedule showed one major change. The Moos Parade, a country music show with Moose Latreck was now on from 11-midnight.

On April 1, the announcers at 1050 CHUM and Montreal’s 980 CKGM switched places. For this day only, CHUM’s schedule featured: Charlie (6-9), Dick Varney (9-noon), Charlie (12-1), Bob Gillies (1-4), Jim Turner (4-7), Brian “Old Faithful” Skinner (7-10:30), Speak Your Mind with George Davies (10:30-11), To Be Announced from 11-midnight and Barry King (midnight to 6).

By July, CHUM’s schedule looked like this: Al Boliska (6-9), John Spragge (9-12), Al Boliska (12-1), Bob MacAdorey (1-4), Mike Darow (4-7), Dick Clark (7-9), Dave Johnson (9-10:30), Speak Your Mind – Larry Solway (10:30-11), The Moose Parade – Moose Latreck (11-12), and Bob Laine (overnights). Gary Ferrier and Brian Skinner were heard on weekends. Dick Clark joined CHUM on May 27.

CHUM-FM signed on the air in September.

Al Boliska left CHUM for CKEY in November. He was replaced by Bob MacAdorey until the arrival of “Jungle” Jay Nelson in December. Jay had been working at WKBW radio (morning show) and television (children’s show) in Buffalo. The “jungle” in his name came from the TV show. It was Allan Waters’ wife Marjorie that suggested they look at hiring Nelson as her children were entertained by the man every day on TV.

CFRB opposed CHUM’s application to increase power from 5,000 watts day and 2,500 watts night to 50,000 watts day and night. CHUM’s proposed transmitter site was in close proximity to CFRB’s – both at Clarkson. CFRB operated on 1010 kHz and CHUM on 1050 kHz. CFRB felt there was a strong probability that CHUM’s signal would interfere most seriously with CFRB’s. CHUM’s other main competitor – CKEY – did not oppose the application. At the Board of Broadcast Governors public hearing, CFRB noted that it did not oppose CHUM’s application, provided undue interference was not caused to CFRB. There were concerns that CFRB would require 500 to 1,000 hours of off-air time to install the requisite traps in its antenna array to rematch the networks and readjust the patterns as a result of CHUM being nearby. CFRB also stated that any further difficulties which might be experienced by CHUM in establishing its pattern would involve CFRB being faced with additional off-air periods. CFRB’s engineering consultants stated that this problem could be resolved to the satisfaction of both parties if CHUM should select a site and pattern which would significantly reduce the signal which they would radiate into the CFRB antenna system. CHUM’s application for a power increase and change of antenna site was later approved.

In August, CHUM increased power to 50,000 watts (full-time) from a new transmitter site at Clarkson (part of Lot 34, Concession 4, Toronto Township, Peel County). It was the culmination of a determined search by the station, in the face of repeated assessments that 50,000 watts on 1050 simply could not be done. Six 240 foot towers were used at the new 50 kW site. May line-up: Jay Nelson (6-10), John Spragge (10-1), Mike Darow (1-4), Bob MacAdorey (4-7), Dave Johnson (7-10), Larry Solway (Talk, 10-12) and Bob Laine (12-6). Allan Slaight was program director. Other announcers: Brian Skinner and Garry Ferrier. The news team included Peter Dickens, Hartley Hubs (traffic), and Bill Drylie. J.J. Richards was also heard on CHUM. Taylor Parnaby joined the news department. CHUM started doing traffic reports from the air.

J. Allan Slaight was appointed Vice President of Radio CHUM-1050 Ltd. and elected to the board. He was in charge of programming and operations of CHUM-AM and its separately programmed Fine Arts sister, CHUM-FM. Slaight joined CHUM in 1958. J. Wesley Armstrong was also appointed Vice President and elected to the board. He joined the company in 1957 as Sales Director. Duff Roman joined CHUM from CKEY in January. Jack Horahan was in the news department. Mike Darow left in the fall and was replaced by Dick Hayes (in December). Dave Johnson left in October and was replaced by Brian Skinner. On February 1, Doug Thompson joined CHUM from CJCA in Edmonton. Allan Waters was President of the company and Manager of CHUM-AM and FM. Bill Drylie was News Director. Phil Stone was in charge of live talent and public service. Allen Farrell was promotions manager. Larry Solway was in charge of copy. George Jones was Chief Engineer. CHUM was an independent station with no network affiliation.

Phil Stone left CHUM. He had been with the station in various capacities since 1949. Since 1959, he’d been working behind the scenes. Program director Allan Slaight left CHUM as manager (went to England).

Radio CHUM-1050 Ltd. became publicly traded CHUM Limited on May 12. Michael Cranston was now at CHUM. Gene Scott and Mac Lipson were in the news department. Phil Givens and Larry Solway did commentaries together. Dick Hayes left in December. David Haydu joined CHUM-AM from CKFH. He started out at CHUM as Jay Nelson’s operator and then moved into the engineering department.

Effective February 15, CHLO St. Thomas Program Director J. Robert Wood became programming assistant at CHUM. J.W. Armstrong was a Vice President of the company. Larry Solway was program co-ordinator. Announcers before the Drake-like format: Jay Nelson (6-10), John Spragge (10-1), Duff Roman (1-4), Bob MacAdorey (4-7), Brian Skinner (7-10), Larry Solway (10-12) and Bob Laine (12-6). Donnie Burns was on the air by March. By July, Larry Solway’s Speak Your Mind talk show had been moved to daytime (10-noon). Jackson Armstrong was now on 6-9 p.m. In August, CHUM adopted a Drake-like Top 40 format. Drake-like format line-up: Jay Nelson (5-9), Larry Solway (9-11), Bob Laine (11-3), J. Michael Wilson (3-7), Jackson Armstrong (7-11) and Brian Skinner (11-5). Hal Weaver was heard on weekends. He had been at CKOC in Hamilton. The newsroom included Taylor Parnaby, Fred Whiting, Bill Pring, Ian Brownlea, Jim Calloway (sports), and Bud Riley. Givens & Solway were still doing their commentaries. Reporters included Paul Akehurst, Bob Carr and Art Lewis. M.P.P. Ron Knight rejoined CHUM new. When he was at CHUM in the past, he was known as Steve Hunter. Knight would handle weekend afternoon news. Ian Brownlea was CHUM’s airborne traffic reporter. The CRTC ordered CHUM to take “Give ‘n Take” off the air because the Commission termed it a partisan political broadcast. The program featured former mayor Phil Givens, along with CHUM program director (and host of the Open Mind Show) Larry Solway. Givens had been nominated the Liberal candidate for York West, so the CRTC considered the program to be a partisan broadcast. Jackson Armstrong joined CHUM on June 16 from Boston’s WMEX but left later in the summer with the format change. John Spragge, announcer at CHUM for 10 years, left October 1 for the Radio Sales Bureau. He was another announcer, unhappy with the changes, as was Bob MacAdorey who also left CHUM. Taylor Parnaby, assistant news director, left CHUM to become director of operations for the new Canadian Radio news service being set up by Stephens & Towndrow (rep firm) and CBS Radio of New York. Some notes from Bud O’Reilly (a.k.a. Bud Riley) on CHUM’s news department at this time: When Bill Drylie died, Taylor Parnaby was named acting news director. Robert MacBain was then hired by Alan Waters to be news director. O’Reilly got to CHUM in the late spring of 1968 and was hired by MacBain for weekends and overnights. Marshall Armstrong was there at the time but left for CFGM in late summer or in the Fall of ‘68. Slogan: A CHUM listener is one in a million…1,111,900 people listen to CHUM each week! (BBM – November, 1968)

Lyn Rice was appointed to the position of Advertising and public relations director (CHUM Limited). She had been in charge of sales promotion. CHUM Limited formed the Canadian Contemporary News System with Paul D. Akehurst as general manager. He had been posted in Ottawa for the past eight years – the last five with the CHUM Group’s Parliamentary bureau. At this point in time, Contemporary News would provide comprehensive national news coverage to CJCH Halifax, CFOX Montreal, CFRA Ottawa, CKPT Peterborough, CKBB Barrie, CKVR-TV Barrie, CHUM Toronto, CKY Winnipeg, CHAB Moose Jaw, CKXL Calgary, CHED Edmonton, CKLG Vancouver and CKDA Victoria.

Jackson Armstrong left February 20. He was replaced by Chuck McCoy. When the Solway talk show was off the air for the summer, Hal Weaver was heard with music programming. Bob Laine did his last weekday show in the summer. Brian Skinner left in August. Gary Duke (Duke Roberts) joined for 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Brian Henderson and Roger Ashby joined CHUM. Bud Riley left for CKFH. The newsroom included Richard Scott, Larry Wilson, Brian Williams, George Ferguson, Jim Besak, and Bruce Northam. 

Fred G. Sherratt, vice president and general manager of CJCH Halifax was named vice president of programming and operations for the CHUM Group as of June 16. CHUM program director Larry Solway was named vice president of creative development for CHUM Ltd. Sherratt would remain as VP and director of Radio CJCH 920 Ltd. and would be succeeded as VP and GM by Bill Ozard, program director and CJCH’s “Open Line” host. Sherratt began his career at CKCL Truro, then moved to Ontario in 1949. He co-founded CFRS Simcoe in 1956 and joined CHUM (Limited) in 1960 to manage the company’s newly acquired CKPT Peterborough. In 1965, he was named vice president and general manager of CJCH when CHUM acquired 50% of that station. 

Dick Smyth was named news director. He had been with CKLW Windsor since 1956 and was news director there since 1965. Peter Dickens would continue as Eastern regional manager of Contemporary Radio and as news director of CHUM (AM-FM) where he had been for 12 years.

Phyllis Kroeker Fajersson (Phyllis Cory, on-air) may have been the first female radio news reporter in Toronto when working at CHUM. 

Rogers/CHFI launched the Rogers Radio News Network in April. It was affiliated with ABC in New York. CHUM received a partial feed from Rogers but received ABC News independently of Rogers. CHUM launched the Canadian Contemporary News Service. It would become the only truly Canadian radio news service when it dropped ABC News in September and switched to an international feed. CCNS operated regional offices at CHUM Toronto and CKY Winnipeg, with headquarters at the National Press Building in Ottawa. 

CHUM had a news staff of ten and had two mobile units. It offered approximately 150 minutes of news per day. CHUM catered to the 16-35 age group between 8 and 10 p.m. with “young news”. The station had a reputation as a teenie-bopper station but in fact, 64% of its listeners were 18-20. Only 26% wre 12-18 while 10% were 11 and under. 

Slogan: More adult listeners 18 to 50 every week than any other radio station in Canada. Join them on 1050 CHUM Toronto.

On-air: Jay Nelson (5-9), John Gilbert (Talk, 9-11), Johnny Mitchell (11-3), J. Michael Wilson (3-7), Chuck McCoy (7-11), Roger Ashby (11-5). Others – John Rode, Tom Rivers, Don Reagan, Scott Carpenter, Fred Gifford, Mel Christian, Hal Weaver. News – George Ferguson, Dick Smyth, Clifford Fletcher, Ron Knight, Murray Eldon, Mike Monty, Richard Scott, Brian Williams, Bob Carr, Brent Sleightholme, Bill Sheppard, Larry Wilson, Fred Ennis (Traffic), Ian Brownlea. Notes – Tom Rivers joined. Duff Roman left for CKFH. John Gilbert replaced Larry Solway. Gary Duke left for CKLW Windsor, replaced by Johnny Mitchell. Hal Weaver left for CJOR Vancouver. George Jones was chief engineer.

Roger Ashby moved from overnights to 11a-3p. Duke Roberts (formerly Gary Duke) returned for PM drive. Dr. Don Reagan was doin the 9-11 a.m. (music shift) during the summer while the John Gilbert talk show was off the air.

Former CHUM announcer Hal Weaver passed away December 31. He was 28.

Terry Steele joined CHUM for the 6-9 p.m. shift. Johnny Mitchell left. Mike Cleaver joined the news department in September. Mark Edwards (Bob Magee) joined April 6. He handled the midnight shift. Scott Carpenter was doing 9-midnight. Announcer Don Reagan left for WOR-FM in New York. Chuck Christian joined the CHUM air staff. CHUM started producing “The CHUM Report”, a regular printed report of news and ideas for those in the radio business.

On-air: Jay Nelson (5-9), Roger Ashby (9-12), Jim Van Horne (12-3), Terry Steele (3-6), Tom Rivers (6-9), Scott Carpenter (9-12), Pat St. John (12-5). Weekends: Dave Charles, Mark Edwards. News – Brent Sleightholm, George Ferguson, Dick Smyth, Richard Scott, Mike Cleaver… Notes – Duke Roberts left for CFTR in June. Mark Edwards left for C-FUN Vancouver. This line-up reflected the summer when the John Gilbert talk show was off the air.

On-air: Jay Nelson (5-9), John Gilbert (9-12), Unknown (12-3), Tom Rivers (3-6), Terry Steele (6-9), Scott Carpenter (9-12), Mike Cooper (12-5). Others: Jim Van Horne. News – Dick Smyth, Fred Ennis, Brent Sleightholm, Wendy Howard, George Ferguson, Mark Dailey, Mike Cleaver. Notes – Mark Dailey joined the news department. During the summer, Roger Ashby did 9-noon and Dude Walker handled noon-3 (in place of John Gilbert’s talk show). Mary Anne Carpentier joined the Jay Nelson show (doing traffic). She had been doing traffic on the Ralph Lockwood show at CKGM in Montreal.

On-air: Jay Nelson (5-9), John Gilbert (9-11), John Rode (11-3), Tom Rivers (3-6), Terry Steele (6-9), Scott Carpenter (9-12), Chuck Morgan (12-5). Weekends/others: Jim Van Horne, Mike Cooper, Roger Ashby, Pat Riley, Steve Elliott. News: Bob Kennedy, Dick Smyth, Mike Cleaver, Dave Taylor, Nanci Krant (Traffic), Dave Wright (Sports). Notes – Dave Taylor joined the news department. John Majhor joined to host the evening shift.

Announcers included: Jay Nelson, Terry Steele, Darryl B., Scott Carpenter, John Majhor, Jim Van Horne, Mike Cooper, Pat Riley, Steve Elliott, Roger Ashby, John Gilbert, Wolfman Jack. News: Mike Cleaver (left CHUM), Dave Tayler, Dick Smyth (also Commentary), Bob Kennedy, John Belmont, Norma (Traffic), Leo Cahill (Sports).

Announcers included: Jay Nelson, Terry Steele, John Majhor, Roger Ashby, Daryl B. (left CHUM on November 19).

CHUM and CFRA Ottawa began a ten minute newscast aired simultaneously on both stations, with each providing input.

CHUM installed a new Continental 50 kw transmitter. CHUM gained a sister TV station when the parent company acquired CITY-TV. The CHUM headquarters at 1331 Yonge Street was fully renovated and expanded over the past year. Sales and accounting moved to the CHUM-owned building next door to make room for an expanded head office. The CHUM AM and FM studios were redesigned and re-equipped. New McCurdy consoles were part of the upgrade. All work was superivsed by George Jones, supervisor of engineering for the CHUM Group, and CHUM-AM-FM chief engineer Burrell Hadden.

Maryanne (Pervin) was doing traffic. Brian Henderson handled sports. Jeanie Beker and Mike Holland joined CHUM.

On-Air: Jay Nelson (5-9), Terry Steele (9-12), Mike Holland (12-3, starts with the CHUM National News), John Majhor (3-6), Bob Magee (Mark Edwards) (6-9), J.D. Roberts (9-12), Dave Foreman (12-5). Weekends: Jeanne Beker, Steve Bolton. News – Keith Anderson, Kathy Danford, Bob Kennedy, Dick Smyth, Dave Tayler, Leah Teline, Richard Maxwell, Mark Dailey, Brian Henderson (Sports), Maryanne (Traffic), Joanne (Traffic), Jeanne Beker. Notes – J.D. started hosting “The New Music” on CITY-TV. Mark Dailey left for CITY-TV. Steve Bolton joined in September. Dave Foreman joined CHUM.

Over the years, CHUM was always number two in the ratings, just behind CFRB. The two stations were “close” in many ways…they sat beside each other on the dial (1010 and 1050), both had transmitter sites at Clarkson, and both had studios and offices in the Yonge & St. Clair area. Bruce Carnegie became chief engineer for CHUM-AM-FM. He had been with CFGM and CILQ-FM, and replaced Burrell Hadden at CHUM. CHUM Limited’s Lyn Smith passed away on July 9. She joined the company in 1958, and watched it grow from one station to one of the country’s major broadcasting companies. Jim Armstrong retired as retail sales manager. His brother Wes continued on as vice president of sales. Jim was replaced by Chuck Langdon who had been general sales manager at CJCH/CIOO-FM in Halifax. Former CHUM personality Dave Johnson passed away October 20. He had been employed by CFGM Richmond Hill at the time of his death. Jay Nelson left December 24 for CITY-TV. He had been CHUM’s morning show host since 1963. Jim Van Horne left. Program director Jay Robert Wood became general manager.

Jim Waters (son of Allan Waters) was now 1050 CHUM’s program director, working under J. Robert Wood, who had CHUM Group responsibilities for programming of both CHUM-AM and CHUM-FM. On-air: Tom Rivers, Terry Steele, Mike Holland, John Majhor, Bob Magee, Steve Bolton, Gord James, Dave Foreman and Roger Ashby. News – Dick Smyth, Richard Maxwell, Kathy Danford, Mary Anne Carpenter, and Brian Henderson (sports). Notes – Tom Rivers joined in January. J. Robert Wood promoted to general manager for CHUM-AM and CHUM-FM.

Brian Thomas became news director for CHUM-AM-FM, responsible to Dick Former news director Bob Kennedy was now working for George Grant in Oshawa. Smyth. Morning man Tom Rivers left the station. Gregg Lee and Jack Dennis were now at CHUM. Maryanne was doing traffic. Notes – Tom Rivers left in September (fired on his birthday – eventually ended up at CFTR). Gord James left for CHUM-FM

CHUM began broadcasting in stereo in September, using the Kahn system. Roger Ashby was now doing mornings. Lee Marshall joined CHUM from CFRW Winnipeg in March. News people included, Richard Maxwell, Dick Smyth, Mike Cleaver, Gord Martineau (fill-in), and Brian Henderson (Sports). Notes – John Majhor left August 25. Steve Bolton left for CJYQ. Mike Cleaver returned.

Former CHUM announcer Harvey Dobbs passed away.

CHUM-AM-FM general manager J. Robert Wood resigned effective December 31. He was expected to be an applicant for a new FM station in a “major” Canadian city. (That city would be Toronto). Wood spent 18 years at CHUM. When he arrived in 1968, he was assistant program director. He had been general manager since 1980.

Darryl B. was back at CHUM. Gerry Forbes and Bruce Marshall were now on the air at the station. Kathy Danford and Debra Edwards were doing news.  John Majhor returned. Lee Marshall left CHUM for CKEY.

Jim Barnes became CHUM-AM’s sales manager. Roger Ashby was joined on the morning show by Mike Holland.

Following the departure of J. Robert Wood, Allan Waters took over as general manager. His eldest son Jim remained AM program director and also became operations manager. Duff Roman became operations manager for FM, and Ross Davies remained program director. Promotions director Suzanne Legault said CHUM’s two million card-carrying (“CHUM Card”) listeners were the biggest success story in Canadian radio. Cal Johnstone and Richard Thomas joined CHUM’s news department. On-air: Roger Ashby & Mike Holland, Gerry Forbes, Terry Steele, Bob Magee, John Majhor, Russ McLoud, Gregg Lee, Eric Gordon. News – Dick Smyth, Dave Taylor, Mike Cleaver, Brian Henderson (sports). Notes – Roger Ashby left August 12 for CHUM-FM. Mike Holland was then teamed up with John Majhor for mornings on August 16. Ashby did his last Sunday Morning Oldies Show August 25. Dave Taylor left August 25.

Terry Williams was now program director at CHUM. He had been with the CHUM Group for 12 years as PD at CJCH Halifax and CFRW Winnipeg. Jim Waters would continue as operations manager.

The CHUM Chart issued number 1,500. This was a milestone for Canada’s first weekly music chart. On June 6 at 3 p.m., CHUM dropped its contemporary hits format for the adult contemporary “Favorites of Yesterday and Today”. This also marked the end of the CHUM Chart, which was created when the station switched to rock music in 1957. Since that time, 1,512 consecutive issues were published. Favourites of Yesterday & Today line-up: 5:30 – Don Percy, 9:00 – Gerry Forbes, 12:00 – Terry Steele, 3:00 – Bob Magee, 6:00 – Mike Holland and 9:00 – Russ McLoud. Others – Eric Gordon, Craig Jones, Darryl B., Marc Chambers, Gregg Lee, John Majhor. News – Dick Smyth, Mike Cleaver, Mark Daily, Paul Cross, Brian Henderson (sports), Greg Rist (weather). Notes – John Majhor left, replaced by Don Percy in AM Drive on June 9. Terry Williams was program director. Greg Rist joined June 9. Marc Chambers joined. Terry Steele left. CHUM was put off the air when its STL (studio-transmitter link) tower was downed. The guy wires were cut, allegedly by two men living across the street from the studios. They believed the tower was causing interference to their hi-fi equipment. The tower fell across Yonge Street, putting the station off the air for about an hour. Damage was estimated at about $500,000. No one was injured.

Jim Waters became manager and program director for 1050 CHUM. Dick Smyth left April 10 for CFTR. Brian Henderson took over Smyth’s news and commentary run. Gerry Forbes moved from middays to AM Drive after Don Percy left. Mike Holland left. Terry Williams left CHUM as program director. Brian Thomas continued on as CHUM-FM news director after Paul Cross took over as news director at CHUM-AM. Bill Bennett was director of marketing. Bob Summers joined CHUM to do newscasts and reporting. GM and PD Jim Waters noted that since CHUM switched to Favorites of Yesterday & Today, the BBM ratings were up…ranging from 33% (AM Drive) to 225% (mid-days) in the 18-49 demo. The station switched to the Motorola C-Quam AM stereo system in December.

In January, CHUM adopted a soft rock format. On-Air: Gerry Forbes, Gregg Lee, Bob Magee, Russ McLoud, Melanie Deveau, Kori Skinner, Jack Denis, Darryl B., Marc Chambers. News – Jeff Howatt, Carrie Hart, Brian Henderson, Mike Cleaver, Mary Garofolo (traffic). Notes – Carrie Hart left for CFOR Orillia.

Scott Robbins joined CHUM-AM-FM as a reporter.

Labour Day weekend saw a format switch from “Bright Adult Contemporary” to “All Oldies, All The Time”. John Rode was back at CHUM. Dan Michaels was now announcing at the station. News – Paul Cross, Scott Robins, Richard Maxwell, Mike Cleaver, Mike Jawarski, Bob Summers, Bob Kennedy, Dan Turner, Brian Henderson. Traffic – Karen Evans, Samantha Houston, Mary Garofalo. Notes – Marty Forbes left his position as program director in July to become PD at CKFM-FM. Ross Davies became PD the same month (he was already programming CHUM-FM). In August, Gerry Forbes (Marty’s brother) left for CKFM, replaced temporarily by Darryl B., then Bob Magee on September 5. Lee moved to PM Drive, then weekends, replaced by Jack Dennis from weekends. Michaels moved from weekends to PM Drive. Mary Garofalo left for WPIX-TV New York in May. John Rode returned. Dan Turner joined from CFGM. Dan Michaels joined from CHUM-FM. Scott Robins joined from CILQ.

CHUM received a five year licence renewal but was told to schedule more Canadian content during morning drive and come up with new plans to support Canadian talent. On-air: 5:30 – Bob Magee, Samantha Houston, Robbie Evans; 10:00 – Jack Dennis; 2:00 – Dan Michaels; 6:00 – Russ McLoud; 10:00 – Melanie Deveau; Kori Skinner, Jeremy Smith, Andy K., John Rode, Gregg Lee, Daryl B., Marc Chambers. News – Scott Robins, Dan Blakely, Mike Cleaver, Jeff Howatt, Valerie Wilson, Brian Henderson, Dan Turner, Bob Kennedy, Richard Maxwell, Nancy Danyo, Sue Sgambati, Paul Cross, Samantha Houston (traffic), Rob Valentine (traffic), Robbie Evans (weather). Notes – Melanie Deveau left in July for CIMX-FM Windsor , replaced by Greg Lee & Andy K. Dan Blakely joined from CFTR. Sue Sgambati joined in February from CFTR and left a short time later for Global TV.

Jack Dennis moved to weekends from mid-days in October, Andy K. moved to mid-days from evenings. CHUM has Argos football broadcasts. Around this time Bob Summers moved from news and started doing traffic reports. Rob Valentine was also now doing traffic.

Debra Edwards joined from CFRB. Former CHUM staffer Gary Gears died February 17, at age 46.

Former but long-time CHUM announcer Terry Steele (Jim Stromberg) died August 13 as the result of a fall in his home. He was 46. Dan Michaels left in the summer, replaced by Russ McLoud who was replaced in evenings by Mark Paine. Roger Ashby returned for the Sunday Morning Oldies Show.

Alexander Forbes, vice president and secretary treasurer of CHUM Limited died at the age of 81 on March 13. He joined CHUM in 1952, became secretary treasurer in 1962 and a director in 1967. Eleven jobs were cut at CHUM-AM and FM – four in news, three in programming and four support staffers. Also dropped were the noon-hour news show and evening newscasts on 1050 CHUM. General manager John Wright said radio revenues in Toronto had gone from $108 million in 1988 to $102 million this year. CHUM’s morning man for 17 years (1963-1980), Jay Nelson (Frank Coxe) passed away February 18. He was 57. Evening newscasts were dropped on CHUM with the departure September 1 of Mike Cleaver, Rob Valentine & Scott Robbins. Cleaver & Valentine ended up at CFRB. Mark Chambers left. Valerie Wilson left in June due to illness.

Fred Sherratt was inducted into the CAB’s Canadian Broadcast Hall of Fame. He joined CHUM in 1960, became manager of CKPT Peterborough, then vice president and general manager of CJCH Halifax, five years later. In 1969, Sherratt became vice president of CHUM Ltd. In 1971, he joined with CHUM and others to purchase CJCH-TV. At the time of his induction, Sherratt was vice president and CEO of CHUM Ltd., and president of ATV Television. Gregg Lee left for CHUM-FM. Charlie O’Brien joined from CJEZ-FM for weekends. Dr. Laura’s start time moved to 7 p.m. (was 9 p.m.). Wolfman Jack (formerly heard on CHUM) died July 1. The legendary Wolfman Jack (Bob Smith) died at age 56. He had worked at CHUM in the past. CHUM-AM-FM Vice President and General Manager John Wright resigned. Jim Waters took over the post.

Andy K. and Korey Skinner left in October for Pelmorex’s Good Time Oldies network. CHUM added GTO programming for evenings & overnights, 7 days a week, as of November 18.

The morning team of Bob Magee, Samantha Houston & Robbie Evans were let go January 9 as part of budget cuts. Mark Paine (9 am-2 pm) was also let go. Russ McLoud moved into morning drive. After 9 a.m., RCS (digital hard disc computer system) and taped staffers were used. Evenings and overnights were provided by the Pelmorex Radio Network. Live news, traffic and weather breaks were provided by the CHUM-FM newsroom. In May, 1050 CHUM celebrated its 40th anniversary as a rock station. A street party was held in front of the 1331 Yonge Street studios, and sister TV station CITY-TV produced and aired a documentary about the AM station’s history. The Advertising Club of Toronto gave its award of merit for radio to Allan Waters to mark the 40th anniversary of 1050 CHUM. On-air: Russ McLoud (5:30-10), Mark Paine (10-3), Charlie O’Brien (3-7), Dr. Laura Schlessinger (7-9:30), Doug Kirkwood (9:30-12) and the Good Time Oldies Network (midnight-5:30). Later in the year: Russ McLoud (5:30-10), Bruce Marshall (voice-tracked, 10-3), Charlie O’Brien (voice-tracked, 3-7), Marc Chambers (voice-tracked, 7-12), Andy K. (voice-tracked, 12-5:30). Weekends: Ren Molnar, Roger Ashby. News: Brian Henderson (and commentary), Jeff Howatt, Paul Cross, Dan Turner, Doug Beaumont, Dan Blakely, Traffic: Nanci Krant, Bob Summers, Judy Wilson. Dr. Laura moved to CHOG in August. Charlie O’Brien worked at sister station CKWW Windsor, live, and voice tracked for CHUM. Former CHUM newsman Larry Wilson died January 5 at age 55. Marc Chambers returned. CHUM dropped the Pelmorex Radio Network from its program line-up.

On May 26, CHUM was granted a licence for a transitional digital radio undertaking. The transmitter was installed on the CN Tower and employed the EUREKA-147 digital audio broadcasting system. It broadcast on a frequency of 1456.304 MHz with an effective isotropic radiated power of 5,084 watts. Kim Geddes joined CHUM for anchor/reporter duties from Talk 640/Q107. Marc Chambers, formerly of the Pelmorex Radio Network, was now doing evenings on both CHUM Toronto and CKGM Montreal, voice tracking shows for both stations. Russ McLoud was now on the air from 6-10 a.m., followed by Bruce Marshall (10-3) and Charlie O’Brien at 3 p.m. Russ McLoud was replaced by newsman Brian Henderson on August 9, McLoud moved to 2-7 p.m. Andy K. who returned last year, left in April. All shows were voice-tracked except for mornings. Former CHUM host John Rode was back to do some fill-in work.

Roger Ashby’s Sunday Morning Oldies Show was dropped in June. John Hesselink hosted a short-lived Sunday night talk show. Brian Henderson continued to do commentaries. Mark Paine returned. Brian Thomas was news director. All shows voice-tracked except AM Drive. CHUM morning man Brian Henderson had a heart attack followed by triple bypass surgery. Former CHUM announcer John Rode was filling in for Henny. 1050 CHUM Toronto Morning Host Brian Henderson returned to work in April. He’d been off since October after suffering a heart attack. Former CHUM announcer John Rode had been filling in. CHUM Limited President Allan Waters was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame at the Juno Awards. CHUM Toronto News Director Brian Thomas interviewed Waters, and the half-hour “armchair” program aired on CHUM-AM. The interview would also run on other CHUM Group radio stations across the country over time. Wendy Leyshon, Allan Waters’ executive secretary for 32 years, left her post June 30.

CHUM Limited instituted a new management structure meant to facilitate senior executive level succession planning. Jim and Ron Waters, directors of the company, were each appointed executive vice presidents of the company. They would serve with their father, Allan Waters, on the newly formed Executive Management Committee. Jim would continue on as president of CHUM Group Radio. Jay Switzer, former senior v.p. and general manager of CHUMCity and senior v.p. of programming for CHUM Television, was appointed president of CHUM Television, succeeding Ron Waters. CHUM’s Management Operating Committee would consist of Taylor Baiden, v.p. finance/treasurer/secretary, Moses Znaimer, v.p. corporate development; and Switzer. After 40 years with CHUM Ltd., Fred Sherrat retired as vice president and chief operating officer. He would remain available to the company as a consultant for the next five years and would remain on the board of directors as vice chairman. On-air: Brian Henderson (6-9), Charlie O’Brien (9-2), Russ McLoud (2-7), Marc Chambers (7-12), Bruce Marshall (12-6). Mark Paine was heard on weekends. All shows voice-tracked except for AM Drive.

On January 22, CHUM announced it would go all-sports in April, forming the Team Radio Network which would include a number of CHUM’s sister AM stations (CFGO Ottawa was already doing the format) across the country. Also this date, Russ McLoud and Dan Turner were let go along with a music programmer and the promotions director. Bruce Marshall then voice-tracked overnights and PM drive. All shows voice-tracked except for AM Drive. It was announced that Paul Williams would be vice president and general mangaer of CHUM Group Radio’s national sports network – The Team. Gerald McGroarty would be program director. Gone from CHUM-AM as a result of the planned change to all sports: John Terminesi (music programmer), C.G. O’Brien (promotion director), Russ McCloud (afternoon announcer), Dan Turner (news). Brad Phillips, vice president and general manager of CHUM-AM-FM resigned after five years in the job. Bill Bodnarchuck became vice president and general manager of CHUM/CHUM-FM. He had been with the CHUM Halifax stations. Daryl Burlingham (Daryl B) died February 25. Over the years, He worked as an announcer at stations such as CKY, CKLG, CFUN, CKLW and CHUM. He was 58. Larry Keats was the new chief engineer at CHUM-AM-FM. He was promoted to the post following the departure of Bruce Carnegie. After 21 years with CFNY-FM, chief engineer David Haydu (aka Geets Romo) returned to his former employer – the CHUM Radio Group. He would take over engineering responsibilities for the new sports network. His last day at CFNY was March 2. It was announced that Jim Van Horne of the Sports Network would return to CHUM where he was once a rock announcer. He’ll be afternoon on The Team. TSN personality Paul Romanuk joined the Team as morning co-host with Brian Henderson. The Team also added Scott Ferguson and Paul Johnson as on-air hosts for Blue Jays Baseball and the network. Ferguson had been with CJCL and Johnson had been with Headline Sports Radio. During the month of April, CHUM celebrated its history with a number of on-air specials and Mayor Mel Lastman proclaimed “1050 CHUM Week” in Toronto from April 30 to May 7, “in appreciation of the unique contributions made by this great Toronto Radio Station.” CHUM’s last day as a music station was a celebration of its history. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., CHUM VP’s and former DJ’s Bob Laine and Duff Roman hosted the last music show. There were lots of memories, airchecks and music. At 3 p.m. on May 7, 1050 CHUM became Team 1050, an all-sports radio station. The music and memories of 1050 CHUM continued on the internet at 1050chum.com. The Team – May 7 – Paul Romanuk, Brian Henderson, Mike Richards (5:30-9), Gene Valaitis & Brian Henderson (9-10), Gene Valaitis (10-12), Jim Rome (12-2), Jim Van Horne & Stephen Brunt (2-6), Blue Jays Baseball / Sports Night with Paul Johnson, Barry Davis, Todd Lewis, Tom Gibson, Patrick Reynolds, Todd Macklin (Sports Night to 5:30 am). Sports anchors: Steve Lloyd, Kalum Figura, Derek Oliver, Michael Gossack, Kathleen Rankin. News: Dan Blakely, Paul Cross, Doug Beaumont. Reporters: Michael Gossack, Scott Ferguson, Barry Davis, Mike Ross, Kalum Figura.

The sports format was a disaster, so at 3:00 p.m., August 27, 1050 CHUM returned to the air with its former oldies format. CHUM returned to an Oldies format on August 27: Brian Henderson (6-10), Bruce Marshall (10-3), Marc Chambers (3-8), Gord James (8-1), Oldies (Overnight). Mark Payne did weekends. All shows were voice-tracked except for mornings. Former CHUM newsman Harvey Kirck died February 18. He was 73. After nearly 49 years in charge of CHUM Limited, Chairman, President and founder Allan Waters stepped down, December 5. Jay Switzer moved from CHUM Televison to CEO of CHUM Limited in charge of all CHUM properties, Radio, Television and TV Specialty channels.

Dan Freeman (Tarzan Dan) joined CHUM-AM-FM for production and on-air swing work.

Dan Freeman left CHUM-AM and FM for CHSU-FM in Kelowna. Allan Waters, the founder of CHUM and CHUM Limited passed away at the age of 84, on December 3rd.

On July 12 it was announced that Bell Globemedia would pay C$1.7 billion for CHUM Ltd., in a deal that would see the company become part of the BCE-owned media conglomerate, subject to CRTC approval. On August 31, the two companies announced that BGM had been successful in its offer to acquire approximately 6.7 million common shares and approximately 19.2 million non-voting Class B shares of CHUM. The shares were to be placed in the hands of an independent trustee pursuant to a voting trust agreement approved by the CRTC. On December 12th, it was announced that Bell Globemedia would henceforth be known as CTVglobemedia.

A CRTC hearing on the CTVglobemedia application to acquire the assets of CHUM Limited was held on April 30th 2007. On June 8 the CRTC approved the acquisition of CHUM Ltd. by CTVglobemedia, on condition that CTV sell off its five City-TV stations, CITY-TV Toronto, CHMI-TV Portage La Prairie/Winnipeg, CKEM-TV Edmonton, CKAL-TV Calgary and CKVU-TV Vancouver. Rogers Communications announced on June 25th that a deal had been reached for them to buy these stations from CTV, subject to CRTC approval, which was subsequently granted. Among the CHUM assets acquired by CTVglobemedia in the deal were seven television stations, 21 specialty channels and some 33 radio stations, including CHUM-AM.

In July, CTV announced it was selling the historic CHUM Building at 1331 Yonge Street for $21.5 million. The building was being purchased by developer Aspen Ridge Homes. John Spragge passed away on December 16 at the age of 71. He worked at 1050 CHUM between 1958 and 1968 and was one of the station’s first rock and roll disc jockeys.

On March 26 at 5:00 a.m., 1050 CHUM became known as CP24 Radio 1050. At that time, CHUM began simulcasting the audio of its co-owned cable news channel, CP24. At 5:30 a.m., CP24 launched its new breakfast show – CP24 Breakfast. Bill Bodnarchuck, general manager for CHUM AM and FM said he thought CP24 would adapt very well to radio. He added that music formats had done poorly on AM for decades. Until now, CHUM had an oldies music format. In June the famous CHUM sign was moved to its new home at the corner of Richmond Street and Duncan Street. It was installed on top of the new CHUM Radio building at 250 Richmond. CHUM AM and FM would move in to the new building later in the year. Since the sign was removed from 1331 Yonge Street in the fall of 2008, it was refurbished. The sign was first put up at the old location in 1959. Its design was altered in 1978. Chris Gordon was president of CTV’s CHUM Radio division. On August 18 CHUM AM and FM made the move from 1331 Yonge Street to 250 Richmond Street West. With the earlier change on AM to a simulcast of CP24 television, this studio/office move really only applied to CHUM-FM. 1331 Yonge was slated to be demolished to make way for condos. David Corey was named vice president of programming for CTV globemedia’s CHUM Radio division. He would also continue on as CHUM-FM’s program director. On August 28, the CRTC renewed the transitional digital radio licence of CHUM-DR-2.

Former CHUM newsman Mark Dailey passed away on December 6. He was 57. Randy Dewell died at 62. The former Halifax alderman, award-winning broadcaster – including the Ted Rogers Sr/Velma Rogers award – and civil servant, had such stops in his on-air career as CFRA Ottawa, CHUM Toronto, CKGM Montreal and CJCH Halifax.

CHUM Radio (CTVglobemedia) now had a third radio station in Toronto with the addition of CFXJ-FM (Flow FM). The CRTC approved the purchase last December and the transaction was completed in February (2011). CFXJ moved in to the CHUM/CTV building at 299 Queen Street West early in the year. Former CHUM sportscaster Dave Wright died in February at the age of 82. On March 7, the CRTC approved an application by BCE Inc. on behalf of CTVglobemedia Inc., for authority to change the effective control of CTVgm’s licensed broadcasting subsidiaries to BCE. The Commission concluded that the transaction would be beneficial to the Canadian broadcasting system by ensuring the long-term stability of a significant Canadian television network and advancing the Commission’s objective of providing relevant high-quality Canadian programming to Canadians through conventional and new media distribution channels. BCE was a public corporation and controlled by its board of directors. Before this approval, BCE held 15% of the voting interest in the capital of CTVgm. The other shareholders were 1565117 Ontario Limited (a corporation ultimately controlled by Mr. David Kenneth R. Thomson) (40% of the voting interest), Ontario Teacher’s Plan Board (25% of the voting interest) and Torstar Corporation (20% of the voting interest). Under the transaction agreement dated September 10, 2010, BCE would acquire the remaining 85% of the voting interest in the capital of CTVgm and would therefore exercise effective control. On March 15, CTV Inc., CTV Corp., CTV Limited and CTVglobemedia Inc. amalgamated to continue as CTV Inc. BCE Inc. announced on April 1 that it had completed its acquisition of CTV and that it had launched Bell Media (replacing CTVglobemedia), a new business unit that would make CTV programs and other Bell content available on smartphones and computers as well as traditional television. In addition to CTV and its television stations, Bell Media now also operated 29 specialty channels, 33 radio stations, Dome Productions, a mobile broadcast facilities provider, and dozens of high-traffic news, sports and entertainment websites, including the Sympatico.ca portal. On April 13, CP24 Radio 1050 became TSN Radio 1050, taking another shot at the all-sports radio format. Programming included: Mike Richards (5:30-10 a.m.), Bryan Hayes (10-noon), That’s Hockey 2day (noon-1), Dan Patrick (1-4), Cybulski & Company (4-7), TSN 1050 Game Night (7-11) and Jason Smith (11pm-5:30am). The CRTC approved a change to the ownership of Bell Media Inc., from BCE Inc. to Bell Canada. This transaction would not affect effective control of Bell Media Inc. and of its licensed broadcasting subsidiaries, which continued to be exercised by BCE Inc. Bell Media Inc. held, directly and through its licensed broadcasting subsidiaries, various radio and television programming undertakings as well as specialty and pay-per-view television services. Jonas Siegel joined TSN Radio 1050 from AM640. On August 22, the CRTC approved the applications by BCE Inc., on behalf of Bell Media Inc. and 7550413 Canada Inc., carrying on business as Bell Media Toronto Radio Partnership, for authority to acquire, as part of a corporate reorganization, CHUM, CHUM-FM, CFXJ-FM and transitional digital radio undertakings CHUM-DR-1 Toronto and CHUM-DR-2 Toronto. Bell Media, the managing partner holding 99.99% of the voting interest in the general partnership, is wholly owned by Bell Canada and controlled by BCE. 7550413, the other partner holding the remaining 0.01% of the voting interest in the general partnership, is wholly owned by Bell Media and is also controlled by BCE. BCE submitted that the purpose of this corporate reorganization was to realize tax efficiencies. The Commission noted that this transaction would not affect the effective control of the undertakings which would continue to be exercised by BCE. Former CHUM personality and executive Bob Laine (Shlanger) passed away August 31. He was 72. He joined CHUM-AM in 1958, left briefly for CFGM in 1962, returned to CHUM, then he became program director of CHUM-FM in 1970. Laine worked for CHUM Winnipeg for several years and retired from the company in 2003 as corporate vice-president. The Mike Richards show now ended at 9:00 a.m. instead of 10. The Dan Patrick show which had been airing on tape delay from 1-4 p.m. moved to 9:00-Noon (live). Bryan Hayes moved from the 10:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. shift to Noon to 4:00 p.m. Cybulski continued to host 4:00-7:00 p.m., with a mix of TSN locally produced content and ESPN overnight airing from 7:00 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. TSN was no longer simulcasting CFL Argo games on CHUM, rather Mike Hogan was now calling the games for radio. On August 31, the CRTC administratively renewed the licence for CHUM-DR-2 to April 30, 2012. It was announced that Dan Lovranski, Jason Agnew and producer John Pollock would return to terrestrial radio as of October 10, when The LAW (Live Audio Wrestling) would be broadcast weekly – Monday mornings (late Sunday nights) from 12:00am-2:00am on TSN Radio 1050. Larry Keats, the former chief engineer at CHUM Toronto, moved to CTV’s Agincourt location to become manager of Toronto transmission engineering for CHUM Radio. Bill Bodnarchuk, vice president and general manager of Bell Media Radio Toronto, retired August 31 after a 38-year career with the company. He spent the first 28 years at CHUM Halifax, beginning as an overnight announcer and working his way up to general manager. Bodnarchuck was promoted and transferred to CHUM/CHUM-FM where he led the two stations for the past 10 years. The Flow 93.5 came under his responsibility earlier this year. ESPN hockey journalist Pierre LeBrun joined TSN and Bell Media Radio as a hockey insider. He was also a regular contributor on TSN RADIO 1050 Toronto, THE TEAM 1040 Vancouver and THE TEAM 990 Montreal.

Larry Solway passed away January 9 at 83. He hosted talks shows (Speak Your Mind and then The Larry Solway Show) on CHUM and was also involved in management. He left the station in 1970. On April 23, the CRTC administratively renewed the broadcasting licence for digital radio programming undertaking CHUM-DR-2 until August 31, 2012.

TSN Radio 1050 launched its new afternoon show in February, and it was televised on TSN2. The morning show also made it’s TV debut. TSN’s Dave Naylor handled the p.m. chores while Mike Richards’ morning show was also on TSN2.

Larry Mann passed away at age 91. Before making his name in acting he was a CHUM announcer in 1949. On May 9, CFRB and CKFM left their longtime midtown home to join CHUM-AM-FM in the Bell Media broadcast centre.

Former CHUM personality Pete Nordheimer died at age 93. He was one of the station’s original DJs in 1958.

Larry Keats, Bell Media’s Toronto manager of transmission engineering (after 35 years) was no longer with the company in November following the latest round of job cuts. His primary duties were with CHUM-FM/CFRB/TSN 1050. CFRB sports reporter Mike Toth and TSN Radio senior producer Todd Hayes and co-host David Bastl were expected to leave in February.

At the end of June, TSN 1050 became available in HD via CHUM-FM’s second HD channel (HD2).

Monty Hall (Monte Halparin) died at age 96 on September 30. He started his career at CKRC Winnipeg, moved to Toronto in 1946, where he hosted and produced programs for stations like CHUM and CFRB, and  had several short-lived shows on CBC Television. Hall moved to New York City in 1955, where he hosted and guest-hosted game shows. Hall was best known as host of the game show Let’s Make A Deal, which started after he moved to California. It aired from 1963 to 1976, and then in syndication off and on until 1991. Monty Hall was named to both the Order of Manitoba and the Order of Canada, and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, as well as Canada’s Walk of Fame in Toronto.

Larry Lamb passed away June 29 at the age of 83. Lamb had a distinguished career in radio advertising, concluding his career as president of Major Market Broadcasters. Founded by a group of senior sales executives that left Stephens & Towndrow in 1966, the company opened offices in Montreal and Toronto with CHUM as its only client. CFPL London and the Moffatt stations were eventually partners. The successor company became CHUM Radio Sales after CHUM purchased all of the outstanding shares in the late 1990s.

Brian Henderson (73) died on January 11. “Henny” started his career at CKMP Midland, followed by on-air stints at CKBB Barrie and CKCB Collingwood. He also did some work at CKVR-TV in the 1960’s and then moved on to CHLO St. Thomas. Before joining 1050 CHUM in 1977, Brian returned to CKBB/CKVR and then headed to CJCH Halifax. Over his 27 years at CHUM, Henderson did sports, news and commentary and then became the station’s morning man.

Marjorie Valentine Waters passed away July 5 at the age of 98. The wife of late CHUM Limited founder Allan Waters acted as a receptionist at CHUM for many years and later served as a company director. Mr. & Mrs. Waters were high school sweethearts and married in 1942.