CHUM-FM

York Broadcasters Ltd., owner of daytime-only CHUM-AM, received an FM licence. The new station would operate on 100.7 MHz with effective radiated power of 3,200 watts and antenna height (EHAAT) of 204 feet. Later in the year, the CBC Board of Governors approved a change of hours for CHUM’s FM operation. The change would enable the FM to have a full broadcasting schedule which had been restricted by the day-only hours of CHUM-AM. This original version of “CHUM-FM” never made it to the air.

Radio CHUM-1050 Limited applied for an FM licence in Toronto. The Board of Broadcast Governors held a public hearing, starting February 22, to hear the application. CHFI-FM Limited opposed CHUM’s application because CHUM proposed to simulcast its AM programming on the new FM station and the BBG had recently denied such an AM-FM simulcast application by CKSL in London. CHFI said such a proposal would add nothing to the choice of programs available in the Toronto area. 

Radio CHUM-1050 Ltd. opened CHUM-FM on September 1. It broadcast on a frequency of 104.5 MHz with an effective radiated power of 18,000 watts. A 160 foot tower was located on the roof of the studio Building at 1331 Yonge Street (between Rosehill and Jackes Avenues). Antenna height was 255 feet EHAAT, 258 feet overall, and 663 feet above sea level. The transmission pattern was omni-directional.

Following the 1961 AM-FM simulcast application, CHUM re-applied for an FM station that would offer programming totally separate from CHUM-AM. CHUM-FM had a Classical/Fine Arts format – the first of its kind in Canada. For the record, CHUM-AM (1050 kHz) had been on the air since 1945 and was purchased by Allan Waters (York Broadcasters Ltd.) in 1954. The corporate name was later changed to Radio CHUM-1050 Limited.

In September,  CHUM-FM began full-stereo broadcasting.

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 appointed Vice President of CHUM Ltd. and elected to the board. He joined the company in 1957 as Sales Director.

Allan Waters was President of Radio CHUM-1050 Ltd. and manager of CHUM-AM and FM. As noted, Allan Slaight was in charge of programming for both stations. Bill Drylie was the News Director for AM and FM. 

Larry Wilson joined CHUM-FM.

On March 21, CHUM-FM increased effective radiated power to 54,000 watts. The same tower and site were used.

Peter Griffin left for CJAD in Montreal.

Radio CHUM-1050 Ltd. became publicly traded CHUM Limited on May 12. 

In the fall, the broadcast schedule expanded from 18 hours to 24 hours.

Peter Griffin returned from Montreal’s CJAD.

David Haydu joined CHUM-AM from CKFH. He started out at CHUM as Jay Nelson’s operator and then moved into the engineering department. He also became a part-time announcer on CHUM-FM, filling in for David Pritchard, using the name Phil Inn.

CHUM-FM received approval for a change of transmitter site, increase in effective radiated power from 54,000 watts to 100,000 watts, and an increase in antenna height to 289 feet (EHAAT). The existing antenna located atop the 1331 Yonge Street studios was overshadowed by new high-rise buildings, blotting out the signal in parts of the city. The new site would be atop the Manufacturer’s Life Building, downtown. 

On July 2, CHUM-FM dropped its longtime Classical Music format and adopted an experimental progressive contemporary format. The new sound, also known as “underground”, offered a wide spectrum of music, from classical and folk to jazz and progressive rock, along with “meaningful” social comment. The old format attracted a relatively small audience…peaking at about 52,000 listeners. It was the first Canadian FM to offer this format on a 24-hour basis. The move to the new format was made because Classical music wasn’t working for the station and because of the success CHUM-AM has had with Contemporary music.

Announcers: Walter Michaels (8-1), Pete Griffin (1-6), Murray The “K” (6-8), Hugh Currie (8-11), Dave Pritchard (11-3) and Wall-To-wall Music from 3-8 a.m. Program notes: Mike Sheppard joined from CKFH. Walter Michaels and Pete Griffin remained through the format change. Bud Riley joined for announcing and news. He had been working in radio at Niagara Falls. Murray The “K” was a big name New York city disc jockey.

On September 3, CHUM-FM’s effective radiated power increased to 100,000 watts (horizontal & vertical polorization), from a new self-supporting, roof-top mount tower on the Manufacturers’ Life building at 250 Bloor Street East, at Jarvis. The tower height was 90 feet, overall height was 289 feet or 669 feet above sea level.

Peter Griffin & Geets Romo (David Haydu) teamed up to host CHUM-FM’s morning show. Haydu had been in CHUM’s engineering department. Griffin was having problems with a turntable while he was on the air. Haydu went in to the control room to try to fix the problem. The two ended up talking on the air while the repairs were underway. The chat was funny and was heard by program director Bob Laine.

Mike Sheppard joined CHUM-FM from CKFH. He had been with WWRL in New York City. Later in the year he moved on to Hollywood to pursue a movie career.

Lyn Rice was appointed to the position of Advertising and public relations director (CHUM Limited). She had been in charge of sales promotion.

Announcers: Walter Michaels (7-noon), Pete Griffin (noon-5), Larry Green (5-6), Kim Calloway (6-9), Tim Thomas (9-2), and David Pritchard (2-7 a.m.). Weekends featured Phil Inn, Benji Karsh and Reiner Schwartz. Bud Riley departed for CKFH-AM.

Fred G. Sherratt, vice president and general manager of CJCH Halifax was named vice president of programming operations for the CHUM Group. 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. Gary Ferrier was program director. 

George Jones was chief engineer. 

Line-up: Pete Griffin (6-10), Walter Michaels (10-2), Larry Green (2-6), Steve Harris (6-10), John Donabie (10-2), and Dave Pritchard (2-6). Benji Karsh and Tim Thomas were heard on weekends. Donabie joined the station this year.

Pete (Griffin) and Geets (Romo) were now doing the morning show. Tim Thomas was now in middays. CHUM-FM now had a news & public affairs program – In Toronto – from 1 to 2 p.m., hosted by Larry Wilson & Brian Thomas. Before joining Griffin on the morning show, Geets had been heard on the air at CHUM-FM as Phil Inn. Bob Laine was general manager and program director. Benji Karsh was music director. Steve Harris left and was replaced by Jim Bauer. 

In the summer: Larry Green (2-6 p.m.) left CHUM-FM. John Donabie was moved to the 2-6 p.m. time slot and Dave Marsden was hired to replace Donabie between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. Brian H. Master was hired from CHSC St. Catharines as swing announcer. Benjy Karch was at CHUM-FM.

Brian Master was music director.

On December 14, CHUM-FM and most of Toronto’s other FM and TV stations were authorized to transmit from the new CN Tower once its construction was complete.

Line-up: Pete & Geets (6-10), Tim Thomas (10-1), In Toronto (1-2), John Donabie (2-6), David Marsden (6-10), Jim Bauer (10-2) and David Pritchard (2-6). Phil Inn, Benji Karsh, and Brian Master were also heard on the station.

On May 24, testing began from the brand new CN Tower at 301 Front Street West. CHUM-FM began broadcasting officially from the tower at 12:01 a.m. on May 31. Effective radiated power was now 40,000 watts. Antenna height was now 1,380 feet.

Programming Notes: John Donabie left and was replaced in afternoons by Chuck Azzarello. David Marsden left and was replaced in evenings by Don Shafer (had been in mid-days). Chuck Azzarello left in October. 

Some on-air names: Steve Moore, Dave Tollington, Rick Ringer, Pete ‘N Geets, Steve Herringer, Rick Moranis. 

The Pete & Geets morning team was broken up when Geets Romo (David Haydu) left for CILQ-FM. Jeff Ansell joined CHUM-FM news. Rick Moranis was heard in afternoon drive. Jeff Ansell joined the news department. Jim Bauer left.

CHUM-FM gained a sister TV station when CHUM Ltd. acquired CITY-TV. The two stations began working together on special FM Stereo/TV music concert simulcasts (“Saturday Night At 11”). The first aired in November.

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. 

Debra Edwards was now in the news department. Terry McElligott was in afternoon drive and Rick Ringer was doing early evenings. John Oiver and Ingrid Schumacher were now heard on CHUM-FM. The station also carried “The Pringle Program”. The news department included: Richard Maxwell, Jeff Ansell, Tim Lange, Rick Hodge (sports), Debra Edwards and Brian Thomas. Notes: Rick Moranis left. Pete & Geets were no more (Pete Griffin hosted mornings on his own). Steve Moore left in the summer. 

Gord Johnson was now heard on CHUM-FM and John Donabie returned. Leah Teline was heard doing news.

Bruce Carnegie became chief engineer for CHUM-AM-FM. He had been with CFGM and CILQ-FM, and replaces Burrell Hadden at CHUM. Warren Cosford, who was CHUM-FM’s general manager, was now handling special projects for the station.

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. 

Pete Griffin left CHUM-FM’s morning show for CFNY-FM where he would reunite with Geets Romo in morning drive. 

On-Air: Pete Griffin (mornings – left for CFNY-FM on August 29), Paul Fisher (mid-days), In Toronto, John Donabie (afternoons), Rick Ringer (evenings). 

Ross Davies was now CHUM-FM’s program director, working under J. Robert Wood, who had CHUM Group responsibilities for programming of both CHUM-AM and CHUM-FM. 

John Donabie left (PM drive) for CJCL. J. Robert Wood promoted to general manager for CHUM-FM and AM.

Announcer John Donabie left CHUM-FM for CJCL-AM.

Brian Thomas became news director for CHUM-FM and AM, responsible to Dick Smyth. Longtime CHUM-FM newsman Jeff Ansell was now at CITY-TV. 

Jeff Ansell left CHUM-FM news for CITY-TV.

John Rode was now morning host. Gord James (from CHUM-AM) and Craig Jones were now heard on CHUM-FM. Newsman Jeff Ansell left for CITY-TV. 

CHUM-FM celebrated its 15th anniversary as a progressive rock station. What was different between 1968 and now? One of the big changes was that the announcers were no longer allowed to play whatever they wanted; they now had a format to follow. 

In September, CHUM-FM began to move away from Album Rock to Adult Contemporary. 

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. 

Gord James was now morning host. Other on-air names: Rick Ringer, Roger Bartell, Craig Jones, Melanie Deveau and Ingrid Schumacher. News: Dave Taylor, Larry Wilson, Richard Maxwell, Rick Hodge (sports). 

Jack Addis became CHUM-FM’s sales manager.

Following the departure of J. Robert Wood, Allan Waters took over as general manager. His eldest son Jim stayed on as AM program director and became AM operations manager. Duff Roman was named operations manager for FM, and Ross Davies continued on as FM program director. 

Roger Ashby joined CHUM-FM from CHUM-AM. He moved his “Sunday Morning Oldies Show” from AM to FM on September 1 and took over FM’s morning show a few days later. Michael Williams was now heard on CHUM-FM.

Paul Morris left CHUM-FM to become music director at the new CHTZ-FM in St. Catharines. Duff Roman was operations manager.

Roger (Ashby), Rick (Hodge) & Marilyn (Denis) hosted CHUM-FM mornings. Other on-air names: Rick Ringer, Dan Michaels, Lee Eckley, Michael Williams, Gord Johnson, and Roger Bartell. News: Elaine McDonald, Jeff Howatt, Paul Cross, Larry Wilson, Rick Hodge (sports), Marilyn Denis (traffic). Ross Davies was program director.

Duff Roman became vice president and general manager of CHUM-FM.

Brian Thomas continued on as CHUM-FM news director after Paul Cross took over as news director at CHUM-AM.

Janet Walters left CHUM-FM where she had been promotion director for the past four years. Newscaster Carrie Hart left CHUM-FM to become news director at CFOR in Orillia.

On-air: Roger, Rick & Marilyn (5:30-10), Gord James (10-1), In Toronto with Brian Thomas (1-2), Rick Ringer (2-6), Lee Eckley (6-10), Roger Bartell (10-2), Brad Giffen (2-5:30). News: Larry Wilson (retired in October), Carrie Hart, Rick Hodge (sports).

Scott Robins joined CHUM-FM-AM as a reporter while Dan Turner joined CHUM-FM as a newscaster.

Bob McBride was now hosting the late evening show. Jeff O’Neil was now at CHUM-FM. Scott Robins (from CILQ-FM) and Dan Turner (from CFGM) were now doing news. Ross Davies was program director.

On-air: Roger (Ashby), Rick (Hodge) & Marilyn (Denis) (6-10), Gord James (10-1), In Toronto with Brian Thomas (1-2), Rick Ringer (2-6), Lee Eckley (6-10), Bob McBride (10-2) and Dave Graham (2-6). Weekends: Ingrid Schumacher, Jeff O’Neil, Brad Giffen, Dale Smith. News: Mike Cleaver, Bob Kennedy, Jeff Howatt, Richard Maxwell, Dan Turner, Scott Robins, Rick Hodge (sports). Traffic: Marilyn Denis, Bob Summers, Rob Valentine, Nanci Krant. Notes: Brad Giffen left for CFTO-TV. 

On-air: Roger, Rick & Marilyn (5:30-9), Rick Ringer (9-1), In Toronto with Scott Robins (1-2), Gord James (2-6), Lee Eckley (6-10), Bob McBride (10-2), Dave Graham (2-5:30). Weekends: Dale Smith, Ingrid Schumacher, Jeff O’Neil. News: Bob Summers, Jeff Howatt, Dan Blakely, Dan Turner, Rick Hodge (sports), Jim McKenny (fill-in sports). 

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 a number of newscasts on CHUM-AM. General manager John Wright said radio revenues in Toronto had gone from $108 million in 1988 to $102 million this year.

The Ontario region Broadcast Standards Council ruled that a CHUM-FM television spot was not in bad taste. Using the slogan, “It’s all you need to put on,” the commercial showed a guy in the buff walking along a street and waiting for a bus while listening to CHUM-FM on headphones. The guy did have a discretely positioned briefcase. The Council did suggest the ads could have been placed outside of children’s viewing times though. 

Lee Eckley was now doing the 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. shift and Dale Smith was handling 6-10 p.m. 

The long-running news and public affairs program “In Toronto” was cancelled as of September 1. 

Between 1990 and 1994, Valerie Wilson did evening news at CHUM-FM (also at 1050 CHUM).

Greg Lee joined from CHUM-AM for weekends, then moves to PM Drive. 

CHUM-FM-AM Vice President and General Manager John Wright resigned. Jim Waters took over the post.

Larry Wilson died at age 55. He left CHUM-FM in 1988 after doing announcing, news and sports for almost two decades. 

Michelle Butterly joined the CHUM-FM announce staff. 

Former CHUM-FM announcer and newscaster Larry Wilson passed away January 5. He was 55. He retired from the station in 1988 after doing announcing, news and sports for almost two decades. 

On May 26, CHUM-FM 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.

Barry Stewart was the new assistant program director at CHUM-FM. He would also continue in his role as music director.

On-air: Roger, Rick & Marilyn; Dale Smith, Gord James, Greg Lee, Michelle Butterly, Ingrid Schumacher, Lee Eckley, Bruce Marshall, Bob McBride. 

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.

On-air: Roger, Rick & Marilyn (5-9), Ingrid Schumacher (9-2), Gord James (2-6), Bruce Marshall, Kathy Wall, Lee Eckley, Shelley Fraser.

Additions to the weekend/swing announcer line-up in August: Bob Callahan and Jimi James.

Larry Keats became chief engineer for CHUM-AM-FM. He was promoted following the departure of Bruce Carnegie. 

Brad Phillips, vice president and general manager of CHUM-AM-FM resigned after five years of service. 

Bill Bodnarchuck became vice president and general manager of CHUM/CHUM-FM. He had been with the CHUM Halifax stations, CJCH/CIOO-FM. Bodnarchuck succeeded Brad Phillips, who moved back to British Columbia.

On December 2, Jay Switzer was appointed CEO of the CHUM properties. He was previously President of the CHUM Television division.

After nearly 49 years in charge of CHUM Limited, Chairman, President and founder, Allan Waters stepped down, December 5.

Shelley Fraser left CHUM-FM.

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-FM and CHUM Limited passed away at the age of 84, on December 3. 

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, which was subsequently granted.  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 30.  On June 8 the CRTC approved the acquisition of CHUM Ltd. by CTVglobemedia, on condition that CTV sell off its five City-TV stations in Toronto, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Calgary and Vancouver.  Rogers Communications announced on June 25 that a deal had been reached for them to buy these stations from CTV, subject to CRTC approval, which ws subsequently granted. Among the CHUM assets acquired by CTVglobemedia were seven television stations, 21 specialty channels and some 33 radio stations, including CHUM-FM.   

CTVglobemedia took ownership of the CHUM stations on June 22.

The Roger, Rick & Marilyn morning show became the Roger & Marilyn morning show in the summer when Rick Hodge left the station. 

Darren B. Lamb joined the morning show, replacing Rick Hodge. Lamb had been doing afternoons on the station. 

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. 

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 will 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. 

Former CHUM-FM announcer Chuck Azzarello passed away at the age of 60 on August 22.

On August 28, the CRTC renewed the transitional digital radio licence of CHUM-DR-1.

The afternoon host at WIOQ-FM Philadelphia, Joey Brooks, moved north to become the new CHUM-FM afternoon drive host. Brooks stepped into the new gig early in the new year. Richie Favalaro who’d been covering PM drive, moved to swing, hosting the CHUM Chart program and doing interviews.

33 year employee, assistant program director/music director Barry Stewart and CHUM-FM parted ways. Afternoon drive host Joey Brooks became interim music director and Lisa Grossi was the new interim assistant program director.

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. 

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.

Former CHUM-FM morning man Peter Griffin died at the age of 81 on May 23. He joined the station when it opened in 1963 and had a classical music format. Griffin stayed with the station through its change to contemporary music in 1968, becoming morning host in the early 1970’s (teamed up later with Geets Romo – a.k.a. David Haydu). Haydu left for CILQ-FM in 1977 and Griffin continued the morning show on his own at CHUM-FM until he departed for CFNY-FM in 1980.

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.

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. 

On August 31, the CRTC administratively renewed the licence for CHUM-DR-1 to April 30, 2012. 

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. 

General Sales Manager Marc Charlebois was gone from CHUM-FM. VP of Sales, Dave Daigle took over Charlebois’ duties.

On April 23, the CRTC administratively renewed the broadcasting licence for digital radio programming undertaking CHUM-DR-1 until August 31, 2012. 

Joey Brooks left afternoon drive on CHUM FM to head back to the U.S. Ashley Greco (formerly with Z103.5) was the new weekend/swing host at CHUM FM. Gavin Mortimer became general sales manager at CHUM FM and FLOW 93-5 on March 7. Mortimer moved from Toronto to KOOL 101.5 Calgary five years ago, leaving his national account manager position to assist in the launch of that new station. 

Just days after joining CHUM FM, Ashley Greco was named the station’s new afternoon drive host.

Amanda Logan, the assistant music director and an announcer at CHUM-FM, was the recipient of the 2013 Allan Waters Young Broadcaster of the Year Award in Memory of Steve Young. 

Ian Brownlee died three days short of his 70th birthday. He began a long broadcasting career as a newsman at CKBB-AM/CKVR-TV Barrie, then in Toronto radio from the 1960s through the ‘80s at CHUM, CKEY, CKO and CFRB. He also taught broadcasting at Niagara College in the 1970s and was the narrator of TV’s Wild Animals of the World. 

On May 9, CFRB and CKFM left their longtime midtown home to join CHUM-AM-FM in the Bell Media broadcast centre.

At the end of June, CHUM-FM began broadcasting in HD with CHUM FM on HD1 and CHUM-AM (TSN 1050) on HD2.

On June 24, CHUM-FM transformed from “104.5 CHUM FM” to “CHUM 104.5”. A spokesperson said the move would bring a “new energy to the CHUM brand…while continuing to deliver the pre-eminent pop music and programming [listeners] love.”

In October, Roger Ashby announced his retirement from CHUM 104.5’s morning show. His last show was set for December 5. Ashby joined CHUM-AM in 1969 after starting his career at CKOC in Hamilton. 16 years later, he made the move to CHUM-FM.

Ashby did retire on December 5 and Toronto Mayor John Tory proclaimed that day as Roger Ashby Day. Bell Media president Randy Lennox announced that Ashby would return with his own curated stream on iHeartRadio Canada in the near future.

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.