CIII-DT

Global Communications Limited was established. 

Al Bruner unveiled his plan. It would not be a national service – for now. It would be a regional Ontario television network – a group of transmitters linked together by satellite, operating from one central studio. He proposed to run eight commercial minutes per hour compared to the twelve that other stations were offering. He felt this would be an incentive to lure Canadian advertisers away from Buffalo stations.

Global Communications Ltd. was licenced to operate a network of television transmitters across Southern Ontario on July 21. Transmitters would be located at Ottawa (channel 6 – 2,800 watts video – 400 watts audio – 149 feet – Directional), Bancroft (channel 2 – 40,500 watts video – 6,100 watts audio – 949 feet – Directional), Uxbridge (channel 22 – 2,200,000 watts video – 330,000 watts audio – 558 feet – Directional), Paris (channel 6 – 100,000 watts video – 15,000 watts audio – 1,037 feet – omnidirectional), Sarnia (channel 34 – 178,800 watts video – 26,800 watts audio – 503 feet – Directional) and Windsor (channel 26 – 218,000 watts video – 33,000 watts audio – 397 feet – omnidirectional). The decision on a transmitter at Maxville (near Cornwall) was deffered (channel 36 – 191,000 watts video – 2,900 watts audio – 624 feet – Directional).

The station was expected to launch in January of 1974 and proposed to broadcast only in prime-time hours, from 5 p.m. to midnight. Daytime broadcast hours would be offered to the Ontario Educational Communications Authority (OECA).

Principal shareholders of Global Communications Ltd. were CanPlex Ltd. (the founding company – Al Bruner and Peter Hill) – 15.34%, Maclean Hunter Ltd. – 15.34% and The Odeon Theatres (Canada) Ltd. – 11.81%. The remaining 57.51% of the shares would be offered to the public.

Some changes to Global’s channel line-up were approved on October 3. The Sarnia (Oil Springs) transmitter would operate on channel 29 rather than ch 34 (162,000 watts video rather than 178,800 watts) and the Uxbridge channel 22 transmitter would operate from a site other than the one originally authorized (ERP video would be 3,120,000 watts instead of 2,200,000 watts).

Global was authorized to operate the Windsor (Cottam) transmitter on channel 22 rather than  channel 26.

It should be noted that the Maxville transmitter would not be allowed to operate because of its proximity to Montreal.

On December 17, the CRTC gave Global an ultimatum. Unless the network radically improved the quality and variety of its programming within the space of a year, there would not be any point in seeking to renew its license. The Commission praised Global’s news and information programming, but was not enthusiastic about the rest of the station’s features. This assessment came as a by-product of an application the network had filed, asking permission to air slides on its Windsor transmitter, during periods when the rest of the system was carrying US-made programs available exclusively to Detroit stations in the Windsor-Detroit area. The CRTC approved that plan, but utilized the hearing to target-in on Global’s overall performance. Global president Allan Slaight said that the network had dropped most of its Canadian entertainment line-up after he took the helm because of what he felt was an uneconomical program selection. He stated that if the programs were kept in operation they would ruin the overall programming. ACTRA countered with the argument that one of the main reasons behind the granting of a license to Global was that they had  promised to utilize Canadian talent. The past summer showed Global to have a high ratings gain which might have been attributed to the inclusion of American 1950’s sitcoms.

Izzy Asper and Gerald Schwartz from Canwest Capital Group Inc. (a venture capital company) and other Global investors, began to roll their shares into Canwest. 

Bill Bramah joined Global’s news reporting team.

When Global had its licence renewed, it was also authorized to increase commercial content to 12 minutes per hour, effective April 1. The CRTC also pointed out that a large part of the station’s uniqueness was its regional nature. Because of this, it did not consider it appropriate for Global and independent stations in the west to form a network at this time.

On March 22, Allan Slaight triggered a buy-sell agreement and Global Ventures ended up with a 72% interest in the network. The other 28% was held by the public. Global Ventures Western Ltd. (Asper of Canwest Capital Corp.), Morton and Epstein (Odeon-Morton Theatres Ltd.) bought Slaight’s interest. This left Canwest with 50% and Epstein & Morton with 50% of Global. IWC triggered the deal by offering to buy out the partners, who came back with a counter-proposal which under the terms of their contract, had to be accepted by IWC. The CRTC approved the sale and said it constituted a change in effective control (the purchasers had argued it did not) and was subject to CRTC approval, notwithstanding any private contract between the owners. 

Ray Corelli became a news anchor at Global.

On February 21, the CRTC approved a transfer of ownership of Global Communications Ltd. –  (A) the transfer of 13,000 common and one voting preferred shares of Global Ventures Western Ltd. (parent of GCL) to Canwest Capital Corp. Canwest Capital was a company the equity shares of which were owned as follows: Canada Development Corp. 35%, The Great West Assurance Co. 10%, The Toronto-Dominion Bank 10%, Winnipeg CCC Ltd. 10%, CWCC Manitoba Ltd. 10%, CCC Coast Investors Ltd. 8.75%, Voyager Petroleum Ltd. 5%, Riback Investment Corp. Ltd. 2.50%, 102522 CC Edmonton Investors Ltd. 2.50%, Canwest Direction Ltd. (I. H. Asper) 5% and Canwest Advisor Ltd. (G. W. Schwartz) 1.25%. The shareholders of Canwest Capital Corp. entered into a unanimous shareholder agreement and the company entered into a management agreement with Canwest Direction Ltd., Canwest Advisor Ltd. and Israel H. Asper and Gerald W. Schwartz whereby CWCD and CWCM were engaged as the sole and exclusive managers of the company’s operations. (B) the issue of 6,000 common shares of Global Ventures Western Ltd. to a company controlled by Seymour Epstein (Video Age Ltd.), in exchange for its rights and interest in shares and other securities of Global. (C) the redemption or purchase of 100% of the voting preferred shares of Ventures. (D) the transfer of 13,000 common shares of Ventures from Canwest Capital Corp. to its subsidiary Canwest Communications Ltd. (E) the transfer of 6,000 common shares of Ventures from Israel Asper to a company controlled by him (Corporate Programming Ltd.). (F) the transfer of 6,000 common shares of Ventures from Morton Operations Ltd. and Cinitel Management Services Ltd. (Paul Morton & family) to Seyton Ltd. in exchange for 50% of the common shres of Seyton Ltd. (G) the transfer of 6,000 common shares of Ventures from Video Age Ltd. in exchange for 50% of the common shares of Seyton Ltd. As a result of completion of the foregoing and certain related transactions, Ventures would be owned as follows: Canwest Communications Ltd. 41.50%, Corporate Programming Ltd. (Asper) 19.15%, Seyton Ltd. (Morton & Epstein) 38.30%, Gurston Rosenfeld 1.05%.

News anchor Peter Desbarats left Global. Gord Martineau joined the anchor team from CITY-TV. Ray Heard succeeded Bill Cunningham as news director. Percy Saltzman became Global’s weatherman. Suzanne Perry was a news anchor at Global at this time.

Global had applied to the CRTC to have its signal distributed across Canada via satellite except in markets where third television services already existed (ie: Toronto with CITY, Vancouver with CKVU and Winnipeg with CKND). The application was denied.

Ann Rohmer (Richard’s daughter) and Anne Trueman (Peter’s daughter) were at Global.

Global signed author Peter Newman as a panelist and commentator for business, news and public affairs programs.

Bob McCown, who made a success of a sports talk show on CKFH radio, but didn’t stay when the station became CJCL, was now with Global’s late night sports show.

The CRTC held hearings on Canadian content requirements for television. In its submission, Global suggested a reduction in quantity would permit them to spend more on quality.

The CRTC issued short-term licence renewals to TV stations in the Toronto area, again complaining that the stations had failed to develop quality Canadian programs, particularly drama, musicals and children’s shows. CBLT, CFTO, CITY, CHCH and CKVR were renewed for two years and 9 months while Global was only renewed for one year. The CRTC rejected Global’s argument that debt load justified a delay in fulfilling program commitments.

Jan Tennant joined Global to do prime time news with Peter Trueman. She would also be featured on other major news and public affairs programs. Tennant had been with the CBC for 15 years.

Raymond E. Heard was promoted to vice president of news and current affairs.

Global laid off 21 employees as a result of the poor economy.

Andy Barrie gave up his anchor desk to prepare special news features. John Dawe took over for now.

Martha Howlett was now doing weather at Global.

The CRTC approved applications involving Canwest Broadcasting Ltd. and Global Communications Ltd. which would transfer the controlling interest, by share redemption in Canwest, from I Asper and G. Schwartz, to I. Asper.

Global marked ten years on the air, January 6, by changing its call letters from CKGN to CIII.

Global announced plans to have Peter Trueman do a 30 minute evening newscast from Ottawa. Jan Tennant would do a 60 minute news package from Toronto.
Vic Phillips was crime reporter at Global. He had worked in the past at CFTO-TV.

When Bob McCown resigned as co-host of Global’s “Sportsline”, Mark Hebscher, formerly of CJCL and CKEY, took over.

Christine Gaynor joined Global’s Ottawa news bureau. She replaced Nancy Wilson who moved to CJOH-TV.

Leslie Jones joined Global news from CBLT.

Global became the first Canadian TV network to have a permanent mobile satellite transmitter. The earth station was acquired from Telesat Canada in a deal with the Ontario Lottery Corp., sponsor of the weekly Wintario lottery program which originated from a different Ontario community each week.

On April 16, president Paul Morton announced that Global planned to apply to the CRTC to extend its service across Canada. He noted that a third national programming service was an original licence requirement for the six station southern Ontario network. The expansion plan called for: (1) Substantial power increases for the existing transmitters at Ottawa and Bancroft. (2) Major new transmitters at Owen Sound, Parry Sound and Cornwall. (3) Transmitters to serve 24 major centres across the country which do not have a third English-language TV service (after CBC and CTV). Those locations would be St. John’s, Charlottetown, Sydney, Halifax, Fredericton, Saint John, Moncton, Quebec City, Montreal, Sherbrooke, Sudbury, North Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, Timmins, Thunder Bay, Regina, Moose Jaw, Saskatoon, Prince Albert, Medicine Hat, Red Deer, Kamloops, Kelowna and Prince George. (4) There would be 27 low power transmitters to serve 43 smaller communities, with 51 additional communities as potential locations.

Canwest Capital owned 61% of Global Ventures, and Izzy Asper emerged from a reorganization of Canwest Capital as the principal shareholder. Global Ventures Holdings acquired all of the outstanding shares of Global Communications, making it 100% owned by Global Ventures Western, either directly or through its subsidiary Global Ventures Holdings. 

Rodger Hone was vice president of marketing. John Dawe was a news anchor at Global. 

On July 17, the CRTC approved Global’s application to relocate the Windsor-area transmitter from Cottam to Stevenson, restoring service to the area. Effective radiated power would decrease from 218,000 watts to 152,000 watts. The Cottam transmitter had been off the air for a number of years following a fire that totally destroyed the transmitter site.

The Bancroft transmitter would see a power increase – from 67,200 watts to 100,000 watts.

Raymond Heard resigned as vice president of news and current affairs on November 30.

Global received commendations and a full five-year licence renewal from the CRTC. However, it was told to double its commitment to the production of drama, music/variety, children’s programs and documentaries to $5 million per year. The Commission commended Global on having met and exceeded its production commitments each year. Global also received approval to increase power for its Ottawa transmitter (channel 6) from 2,800 watts to 14,700 watts, with a change of transmitter site. The Uxbridge transmitter would move from channel 22 with ERP of 3,120,000 watts to channel 41 with 786,000 watts. It would also relocate to Toronto’s CN Tower. New transmitters were approved for Midland (channel 7 with ERP of 171,000 watts), Peterborough (channel 27 with 1,284,000 watts), and Owen Sound (channel 4 with 18,400 watts). The approvals were conditional on continued use of terrestrial (microwave) facilities to link the network. Global’s proposal to link the network by satellite was rejected by the CRTC. The Commission was not willing to have the service made available outside of southern Ontario, the area Global was licensed to serve.

Global reporter Jeffrey Kofman was named vice president of the Ontario Press Gallery. 

Loretta Sullivan joined Bob McAdorey and Elaine Loring on Global’s entertainment team.

Nancy Smith became Global’s vice president of communications. She had been director of corporate communications at CITY-TV.

Peter Emmerson became a weatherman at Global. He had been with CFTO.

Ray Heard resigned November 30. He headed Global news for over six years. Executive producer Peter Bradley was appointed acting general manager of Global news and current affairs. 

John Dawe and Sherry Miller (joined) were part of the anchor team. Peter Emmerson (joined from CFTO) was doing weather. Bill Bramah was a reporter. Elaine Loring, Bob McAdorey and Loretta Sullivan did entertainment.

Libby Znaimer left Global news for CITY-TV.

Global upgraded all of its transmitters to operate in stereo. The Kitchener transmitter was moved to a new site (still near Paris). 

Jan Tennant took her leave from Global News and was succeeded by Richard Brown. Brown was most recently with WCBS-TV in New York and with CTV News prior to that. Tennant officially retired in May when her Global contract expired.

On October 2, CIII-TV-6 Ottawa was given approval to decrease ERP from 14,700 to 8,700 watts and to relocate the transmitter site from an area on the edge of the Gatineau Park to the Camp Fortune transmission tower. 

In October, at the Bancroft site, the tower was raised, a new antenna was installed and effective radiated power increased to the authorized 100,000 watts. The transmitter had been operating at 67,200 watts. The increase would improve signal quality to the Kingston and belleville areas. (this change approved by the CRTC July 17, 1986)
 
Global opened a transmitter (channel 7) at Midland to serve the Barrie/Georgian Bay/Muskoka area on November 24. The tower was located near Port Severn. Effective radiated power was 325,000 watts video and 48,800 watts audio. Antenna height was 1,131 feet EHAAT.

Al Bruner passed away at age 63. Global was his dream. He got it on the air but was forced out of the picture in the early going, but before his death, he did see his dream realized. 

On-Air: Anchors – Mike Anscombe, Richard Brown (joined), John Dawe, Martha Howlett, Jan Tennant (left), Peter Trueman, Sherry Miller. Sports – Mark Hebscher, Jim Tatti. Libby Znaimer was a reporter (left for CITY-TV). 

Jan Tennant anchored her last newscast on Global. She went into retirement. Tennant was replaced by long-time Global anchor Mike Anscombe.

Bill Stewart was Global’s vice president of programming.

The National Edition of Global News – renamed The World Tonight – was now airing on CKND Winnipeg and STV in Regina and Saskatoon. Richard Brown was the weeknight host and Everett Banning handled the weekend editions. 

Global and Carling O’Keefe announced a 2-year agreement for TV broadcasts of NHL playoff games. Coverage would include divisional and conference championships and a share of the Stanley Cup final with the CBC. Global’s VP of operations would again be executive producer for Global’s NHL coverage.

Rudi Carter, previously director of independent production at CBC-TV, was named VP of information programming and special projects at Global.

Leah Hanes anchored Global’s weekly half-hour program about women in business.

Robert Fisher was named Global’s Ontario Legislature bureau chief. He had been the CBC’s provincial government correspondent.

The Windsor transmitter at Cottam was deleted and replaced by a new facility at Stevenson. The Cottam transmitter had been down for some time due to a variety of problems.

The channel 4 transmitter at Owen Sound, went into service June 27. Effective radiated power was 18,400 watts video. The height of the new tower would be increased by the same amount as the decreased ground elevation. 

Vice-president of operations Doug Bonar temporarily assumed responsibility for the news department following the resignation of Rudi Carter.

On September 29, CIII-TV-4 Owen Sound was authorized to increase ERP from 18,400 to 20,600 watts, and to relocate the transmitter from the currently authorized site to a nearby location of lower ground elevation. 

The Peterborough-Cobourg transmitter opened October 15, on channel 27. The transmitter was located at the CFMX-FM site at Alnwick Hill and Harwood Roads, Hamilton Township, just north of Cobourg. A new tower was built for both stations. CFMX owned the property and Global owned the new tower. Channel 27 broadcast with an ERP of 1,284,000 watts (average) and 2,535,000 watts (maximum, video). 

On October 22, at 5:30 p.m., the Toronto transmitter opened on channel 41. It broadcast from the CN Tower, 301 Front Street West, with an effective radiated power of 786,000 watts video.

On November 30, the Uxbridge transmitter was pulled out of service. It promoted the new channel 41 Toronto transmitter for a few weeks and was then deleted completely on December 31st. 

Thalia Assuras (joined from CITY) and Tayler Parnaby were now part of the anchor team. Reporters included Bill Bramah, Robert Fisher (joined from CBLT), Carl Hanlon, Leslie Jones, Kathy Lynus, Doug Small, Bill Turbovich. Sherry Miller left.

Robert Fisher became Global’s first Queen’s Park bureau chief. He had covered the provincial government for CBLT. James O’Connell joined Global as a senior reporter. He had been with CJOH in Ottawa.

Global estimated that when its $15 million transmitter, antenna and power boost expansion program was completed this summer, the network would be able to cover 98% of Ontario – half of English-speaking Canada.

News anchor Peter Trueman announced he would leave television as of July 31.

Global Communications president Paul Morton announced the participation of Global Television in the World International Network – a worldwide association of broadcasters who have joined together to produce and distribute first-run TV programming. 

Richard Brown took over as anchor of the evening news following the retirement of Peter Trueman. Mike Anscombe replaced Brown on the late night newscasts.

CFRB-AM news director Taylor Parnaby was now hosting a weekly video news magazine (Newsweek), Sundays at 7 on Global.

Thalia Assuras (ex of CITY-TV) was now co-anchoring Global’s supper hour news with Richard Brown. She also joined John Daw and Bob McAdorey as co-anchor of the News at Noon.

Morton & Epstein were “at war” with Asper. They went to court. A Manitoba judge ordered the end of the partnership. Global Ventures Western and subsidiary Global Ventures Holdings were put up for auction with only CanWest Communications Enterprises (Asper) and Seyton Ltd. (Morton & Epstein) being allowed to bid on the shares. On December 14, 1989, Asper emerged as the winner, getting 100% of Global. 

Howard Bernstein was named news director, replacing Rudi Carter who returned to the CBC.

On October 31, CIII-TV-27 Peterborough was granted a decrease in effective radiated power from 1,284,000 to 836,000 watts. A number of local residents had intervened, expressing concern over possible adverse effects of strong television signals on the health of those living near the transmitter site. The Department of Communications said the strength of the signals radiated was well within guidelines and there should be no problem from non-ionizing radiation. 

Lisa Whitmore (joined) was now part of the anchor team. Weatherman Peter Emmerson left.

David Mintz was named deputy chairman, president and CEO of Global Communications Ltd. and chairman of Canvideo Television Sales. Roger Hone became vice president of national marketing. Don Brinton was named deputy chairman.

Doug Bonar was appointed vice president of operations and news for the Global Television Network. 

Global applied for six more transmitters: Fort Erie (channel 44 with effective radiated power of 14,200 watts), Sudbury (channel 11 with 25,000 watts), Timmins (channel 13 with 11,600 watts), North Bay (channel 2 with 3,400 watts), Maxville (channel 11 with 16,800 watts) and Sault Ste. Marie (channel 12 with 1,800 watts).

Effective August 1, Peter Viner replaced Donald Brinton as chief executive officer of Global Canwest Television.

On October 22, the CRTC approved the transfer of effective control of Global Communications Ltd. to CanWest Communications Enterprises Inc. Global was owned 100% by Global Ventures Western Ltd., a holding company beneficially owned 60.76% by CanWest. 

On-Air: Anchors – Mike Anscombe, Thalia Assuras, Richard Brown, John Dawe, Tayler Parnaby, Loretta Sullivan, Lisa Whitmore. Sports – Bill Byrd, Mark Hebscher, Jim Tatti. Weather – Susan Hay. Entertainment – Rob Davidson, Kathy Kasner, Elaine Loring, Bob MacAdorey. Reporters – Linda Boyle, John Burke, John Darby, Simon Dingley, Robert Fisher, Carl Hanlon, Kathy Lynus, Sue Sgambati, Doug Small, Robin Smythe. Notes – Boyle joined from CBC. Dingley joined from CFCF-TV. Sgambati joined from CHUM Radio. Smythe joined from MITV.

Global Communications Ltd. began (again) to offer its shares to the public.

Doug Hoover was named vice president of programming for Global Television.

On November 18, CIII-TV-41 Toronto was given approval to decrease effective radiated power from 1,475,000 to 732,000 watts. 

Global replaced the microwave feed to its Midland, Owen Sound and Peterborough transmitters with a satellite signal, encoded to prevent unauthorized reception.

Robert Fisher was part of the anchor team (also a reporter). Sean O’Shea and Heather Hiscox (joined) were reporters. 

On April 8, Global was given approval to add transmitters at Fort Erie (channel 55 with effective radiated power of 14,200 watts), Sudbury (channel 11 with ERP of 25,000 watts), Timmins (channel 13 with ERP of 11,600 watts), North Bay (channel 2 with ERP of 3,400 watts) and Sault Ste. Marie (channel 12 with ERP of 1,800 watts). The latest proposal to add a transmitter at Maxville (near Cornwall) was denied. The CRTC was concerned that the proposed transmitter would make it more feasible for cable systems in Montréal to pick up the Global signal. Global also planned to establish a news bureau in northern Ontario as part of this expansion.

Global was given a short term licence renewal of four years. The CRTC expressed its concern that Global had not contributed to the Canadian broadcasting system as fully as it should have by treating some requirements for Canadian programming as maximums rather than minimums. The Commission also was not happy with the licence fees Global had been paying to independent producers and encouraged Global to ensure that such fees were set at more equitable levels.

On December 1, Global expanded its coverage area with new transmitters at North Bay (channel 2 with effective radiated power of 3,400 watts video), Sault Ste. Marie (channel 12 with ERP of 18,000 watts video), Sudbury (channel 11 with ERP of 25,000 watts video), and Timmins (channel 13 with ERP of 11,600 watts video). A ceremony was held in Sault Ste. Marie to launch that transmitter. With the addition of these transmitters, Global now reached 97% of the population of Ontario.

Anchors included, Thalia Asuras (left for CTV’s Canada AM), Robert Fisher, Jane Gilbert (joined), Peter Kent (joined), Marlane Trotter and Colleen Walsh. Reporters – Avis Favaro, Kathy Lynas, Sean Mallon, Doug Small (left), Robin Smythe, Bill Turbovich, John Burke, Jacques Bourbeau, Carl Hanlon. Entertainment – Rob Davidson, Elaine Loring and Bob MacAdorey. Others – Arthur Black (commentary, joined Global this year), Charles Adler (host). 

In February or March, CIII opened a transmitter at Fort Erie, operating on channel 55 with effective radiated power of 14,200 watts video. 

Global’s Ontario Legislature bureau chief Robert Fisher, was named weekend anchor. He would continue to host the programs Focus Ontario and Global Newsweek. 

Anchors – Mike Anscombe, John Dawe, Robert Fisher, Jane Gilbert, Peter Kent, Loretta Sullivan. Weather – Susan Hay. Sports – Bill Byrd, Mark Hebscher, Don Martin, Jim Ralph, Jim Tatti. Reporters – Linda Boyle, John Burke, Michael Chisholm, Paul Dalby, Simon Dingley, Kathy Lynus, Mickey Moore, Sean O’Shea, Sue Sgambatti, Robin Smythe. Entertainment – Rob Davidson, Elaine Loring, Bob MacAdorey.

Colleen Walsh was part of the anchor team. 

Global hired CKND’s Gene Principe to replace Mark Hebscher as co-anchor of the Ontario network’s late night Sportsline. Hebscher would do analysis for Q107’s Leaf games, alongside play-by-play announcer Joe Bowen. Hebscher had been on Sportsline for 11 years.

Shari Scharfer became Director of Development at Global.

Kevin Shea was named president of Global TV and of CanWest operations in Eastern Canada. He had been president of YTV for six years and most recently was president of Atlantis Communications.

On March 10, the CRTC announced an amendment for CIII-TV concerning the airing of infomercials. In addition to the 12 minutes of advertising material permitted by subsection 11(1) of the Television Broadcasting Regulations, 1987, the licensee may broadcast more than 12 minutes of advertising material in any clock hour in a broadcast day, in order to broadcast infomercials as defined in Public Notice CRTC 1994-139 and in accordance with the criteria contained in that public notice, as amended.

CanWest Global promoted Loren Mawhinney to vice president, Canadian production. She had played a key role in this area for several years. Mawhinney joined Global in 1984, right out of Ryerson. 

Global had its licence renewed for seven years. The CRTC commended the network for exceeding its minimum $30 million a year on Canadian programming during the past four-year term. Global’s bid to carry local advertising was turned down though.

On August 28, the CRTC gave Global approval to add a transmitter at Cornwall. Global had proposed to use channel 11 but that was awarded to CHCH-TV for use in Ottawa.

Ken MacDonald became VP of news. He had been Ottawa bureau chief.

All of the Canwest-Global stations across Canada began using the GLOBAL name.

News anchors Mike Anscombe and Jane Gilbert were let go by Global on March 10. Beverley Thompson joined the Global news team as early anchor on March 31. She had been co-anchor and general assignment reporter at CFTO-TV. Christine Crosbie (weather) joined from CFTO-TV. Paul Rogers joined Global on January 27 as chief news editor. He had been news manager at CFTO. Ken MacDonald was Vice President of News. Reg Thomas left CIII-TV to become news director at CFRN-TV Edmonton.

Sandra Puglielli, publicity chief for CanWest Global System and the Global Television Network, left for MuchMusic. She took up her new posting on April 1. Jim Sward was President of CanWest Global System.

To mark 20 years of CanWest Global Communications, Izzy Asper announced the formation of a CanWest Global Foundation with a pledge of $1 million. He said it was the first in a series of events marking the anniversary.

Susan Rogers was doing weather. Neha Bhupal and Brian Hatchell were part of the reporting team. John Oakley was doing commentaries. 

Veteran Toronto Star reporter David Vienneau was named Ottawa bureau chief for Global News, effective April 27th. 

Long-time Global reporter Bill Bramah passed away in Barrie at the age of 82. He joined the station when he was 61 and retired from the business last year. 

Mike Katrycz left Prime TV where he produced Chronicle, to become Senior Producer on Global’s Toronto evening newscast with Beverly Thomson. 

CanWest Global Communications named Leonard Asper as chief operating officer. He added that title to his executive vice president duties and would be responsible for the CanWest Entertainment division and TV3 Ireland.

Anchors – Peter Kent, Beverly Thomson, Robert Fisher, Christine Crosbie, Marleen Trotter. Sports – Jim Tatti, Bill Byrd (left), Don Martin. Weather – Susan Hay. Entertainment – Rob Davidson, Elaine Loring, Bob MacAdorey. Reporters – Neha Bhupal, Carl Hanlon, Sean Mallen, Sean O’Shea, Terese Sears, Sue Sgambati. 

Peter Liba, CanWest Global Communications executive vice president and executive director, became Manitoba’s newest Lieutenant-Governor, effective in February. Liba was honored in 1998 as the Western Association of Broadcasters Broadcaster of the Decade and by the Canadian Association of Broadcasters in November when he was inducted into the Canadian Broadcast Hall of Fame.

Leonard Asper was named President/CEO of CanWest Global Communications at the age of 35. He had been executive VP and COO. He was also now Chairman of the Global Television Network and other CanWest Global subsidiaries. At the end of August, CanWest President Peter Viner became Vice-Chairman, based in Toronto. He had been working out of the Winnipeg office.

Global Television Parliament Hill news veteran John Burke left for a communications consulting firm. 

As of its August 2 licence renewal, Global operated the following Ontario transmitters: CIII-TV-41 Toronto, CIII-TV-6 Ottawa, CIII-TV-22 Stevenson, CIII-TV-29 Oil Springs, CIII-TV-7 Midland, CIII-TV-4 Owen Sound, CIII-TV-2 Bancroft, CIII-TV-27 Peterborough, CFGC-TV-2 North Bay, CFGC-TV Sudbury, CIII-TV-13 Timmins, CIII-TV-12 Sault Ste. Marie and CIII-TV-55 Fort Erie.

In May, Gerry Noble was named president and CEO of the Global Television Network. He had been with the company for 15 years. 

Robert Fisher left. Bob MacAdorey retired July 28 but would continue to do movie reviews for the station.

Adam Ivers joined Global Toronto as vice president of programming.

Ron Waksman, executive producer, national news and current affairs at Global Toronto, left for Roots Air.

Kevin Shea resigned as president of the Global Television Network. He had been promoted to that position in April of 2000. 

CEO Gerry Noble left the company. A short time later, he wound up at Bell Globemedia.

CJOB Winnipeg talk show host Charles Adler began doing a weekly current affairs show for Global. The program was taped at Global Calgary each weekend. Adler continued to work for CJOB. 

Global Toronto added Leslie Roberts as second anchor to its supper-hour and 11:00 p.m. newscasts as of September 4. He had been news director and chief anchor at Global Quebec. 

Anchors – Arlene Bynon, Bob McAdorey, Jacqueline Milczarek, Beverly Thomson. Sports – Lori Belanger, John Bell, Don Martin, Jim Tatti. Weather – Christine Crosbie, Susan Hay. Entertainment – Elaine Loring, Rob Davidson. Reporters – Jacques Bourbeau, Diana Bishop, Robin Percival, David Vienneau, Scott Arnold, Neha Bhupal, Linda Boyle, Alan Carter, Cheryl Hickey, Mary Ito, Gus Kim, Monica Kim, Sean Mallen, Sean O’Shea, Troy Reeb, Terese Sears, Marleen Trotter, Mike Bothwell, Mike Boothman, Carl Hanlon, Ross Lord. Mike Katrycz left Global Toronto to become News Director at CHCH-TV.

First National with Peter Kent ended February 9.

David Mintz, former president of Global, died February 5. He joined the network in 1979 and retired in 1993. 

On October 7, Israel Asper died at age 71. Asper served CanWest as its President and Chief Executive Officer and most recently as Executive Chairman. He gave up his role as Executive Chairman in January 2003 but continued to serve as Chairman of the Board. He founded CKND-TV Winnipeg in 1975, eventually purchased Ontario’s Global Television Network and over time built the CanWest Global empire. 

Global launched its first Ontario radio station in January – CKBT, serving Kitchener-Waterloo. 

Former Global anchor Ray Corelli died on April 2, at age 77.

On June 9, Global was given approval to operate a transitional digital television undertaking in association with CIII-TV-41 Toronto. The digital undertaking would operate from the CN Tower on channel 65C with an effective radiated power of 3,000 watts.

Global’s Toronto transmitter (channel 41) began digital (channel 65C) operations in mid-October.

On October 27, the CRTC approved the transfer of effective control of CanWest MediaWorks Inc. and its subsidiaries, licensees of various broadcasting undertakings across Canada, from the late Mr. Israel Asper to Mrs. Ruth Miriam Asper, and subsequently from Mrs. Ruth Miriam Asper to the children, through their control of the board of directors of CanWest Global Communications Corp., pursuant to a nomination agreement between them and CanWest Communications Corporation, a corporation controlled by Mrs. Ruth Miriam Asper. (Note: CanWest Mediaworks was now the parent of Global Television).

Approval was granted for the transfer of ownership of CanWest MediaWorks Inc. through the transfer of the beneficial ownership of CanWest Global Communications Corp., the parent corporation of CMI, from Mrs. Ruth Asper to David, Gail and Leonard Asper, holding together, through their personal holdings, 88.95% of the voting rights of CGCC. 

In January, Global Ontario eliminated its noon newscast. Late the previous year, the company had already decided to cancel the morning show as well. A number of jobs were lost because of these cuts.

On May 15th, the CRTC announced a one-year licence renewal, effective September 1st 2009, for all of CanWest’s Over-The-Air stations,  including CIII-TV, “….to give these broadcasters some flexibility during the current period of economic uncertainty.” Group-based licence renewals would then be addressed in the spring of 2010. The Commission also stated that it recognized the impracticability of imposing any conditions relative to 1-1 ratios between Canadian and non-Canadian programming in the ensuing year, given the programming commitments that were already in place.

The Commission would however continue to explore various regulatory measures “…to ensure that English-language television broadcasters devote an appropriate proportion of their expenditures to Canadian programming.” 

On July 6th, the CRTC announced one-year licence renewals, from September 1st 2009 to August 31st 2010, for all the private conventional television programming undertakings operated by Canwest Television Limited Partnership, including CIII-TV, subject to certain specified conditions in respect of some individual markets. The decision included requirements for a minimum of 14 hours of local programming per broadcast week in certain designated major markets, and seven hours of local programming per week in certain markets specified as ‘non-metropolitan’. 

The Commission also approved a request for CIII-TV-41 Toronto to be designated as the originating station for Global’s regional service. This would allow local advertising to be broadcast for this market. In September, CIII-TV was rebranded as Global Toronto.

Also on July 6th, the CRTC invited written comments and proposals, to be considered at a hearing on September 29th 2009, on “…the modalities and conditions for group-based licensing that would provide the necessary criteria to consider upcoming applications for group-based seven-year licence renewals: revenue support for conventional broadcasters; and possible transition models”.

The outcome of this hearing was anticipated to be the establishment of guidelines for the Commision to consider when holding a hearing on seven-year renewals of conventional station licences in the spring of 2010. 

In July 2009, CIII-DT-41 Toronto began operations on channel 65.

Sónia Brum , formerly of CTV Toronto, joined Global Television Toronto as a Publicist. She succeeded Nikki Lamb Tudico who moved to Canwest Specialty. 

Global Television took over all programming on 103.9 Proud FM from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. on April 13, one day before the return of its show Glee, to air what it called a “Glee-volution”. For that one day, the station was re-branded GLEE-FM 103.9 and aired the show’s selection of chart-topping music and highlighting its characters. The radio station was supported with promotions on Global Television, print ads, street teams, Facebook and Twitter, and online with a micro-site housed at GlobalTV.com.

Zev Shalev, whose last stop in Canada was as VP for Strategic Programming/ Senior Executive Producer of information and entertainment programming at Global Television, was named Executive Producer of The Nate Berkus Show (working title), a new syndicated series from Harpo Studios and Sony Pictures Television.

Natalie Cunningham moved to Global Toronto as Senior Brand Manager. She was most recently with Teletoon. 

Anne Mroczkowski, the former long-time evening anchor at Citytv Toronto and who was caught in a news department purge earlier this year, moved to Global Toronto. She joined Leslie Roberts June 1 as the suppertime co-anchor.

Paul Robertson took a leadership role in Shaw’s acquisition of Global Television and its specialty channels in the management of those assets. Robertson had been President of Corus Television. 

Global TV’s national Anchor, Kevin Newman, gave the network notice that August 20 would be his last day. He’d held the job for 10 years. Newman said he had no specific job lined up but intended to spend the coming months “exploring the exciting new mobile digital world”.

On August 20, the CRTC approved the application by Canwest Television GP Inc. (the general partner) and Canwest Media Inc. (the limited partner), carrying on business as Canwest Television Limited Partnership, to amend the broadcasting licence for CIII-TV-41 Toronto to add a digital transmitter in Toronto (CIII-DT-41)

The new digital transmitter would operate on channel 41 with an average effective radiated power of 100,000 watts (maximum ERP of 100,000 watts with an effective height of antenna above average terrain of 503 metres). Given that the existing transmitter serving Fort Erie on channel 55 must shut down effective 31 August 2011, CIII-DT-41 would also serve the Fort Erie market. In addition, the new digital transmitter located in Toronto would provide coverage to viewers located in Barrie, which is a mandatory market. The Commission noted that the population served in the local service area would decrease from 6,122,353 to 6,068,374. In the regional service area, the population served would increase from 6,811,922 to 7,437,819.

The CRTC approved an application by Canwest Television GP Inc. (the general partner) and Canwest Media Inc. (the limited partner), carrying on business as Canwest Television Limited Partnership for the addition of a post-transitional Digital Television transmitter for CIII-TV-6 at Ottawa. The transmitter would operate on channel 6 and have an average effective radiated power of 650 watts (maximum ERP of 3,300 watts), using a directional antenna. Antenna height (EHAAT) would be 261.3 metres. The existing CBC-owned tower would be used. Programming would be received via satellite. 

At the same time, a post-transitional Digital Television transmitter for CIII-TV-22 at Stevenson/Windsor was approved. It would operate on channel 22 with an average ERP of 9,300 watts (maximum ERP of 49,000 watts), using a directional antenna. Antenna height would be 110 metres, using the existing Global-owned tower. Programming would be received by satellite. 

Former NBC News Foreign Correspondent Dawna Friesen was the next Anchor of Global National, succeeding Kevin Newman after he stepped down. Friesen, a native of Winnipeg, began her career at Global Winnipeg, then worked at CBC and CTV before being hired by NBC in 1999.

On October 22, the CRTC approved an application by Shaw Communications Inc., on behalf of Canwest Global Communications Corp., for authority to change the effective control of Canwest Global’s licensed broadcasting subsidiaries, which will henceforth be exerciced by Shaw. This change would be effected through a wholly-owned subsidiary of Shaw known as 7316712 Canada Inc. Upon the closing of the proposed transaction, Shaw, through its wholly-owned subsidiary 7316712 Canada, would become the sole owner of Restructured Canwest and of CWI, and would acquire control of all broadcasting undertakings currently controlled by Canwest Global. Shaw ascribed a total value of $2.005 billion for the acquisition of all broadcasting assets controlled by Canwest Global and initially proposed a tangible benefits package in the amount of $23 million. 

Events leading up to the October 22, 2010 decision:

On October 6, 2009, Canwest Global, along with its operating subsidiary Canwest Media Inc. and certain other subsidiaries, filed for creditor protection under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act, R.S.C. 1985 c. C-36, as amended. At the beginning of November, Canwest Global, with the assistance of RBC Capital Markets, initiated an equity solicitation process to identify potential new Canadian investors. On February 19, 2010, after arm’s length negotiations between Shaw, Canwest Global and the Ad Hoc Committee (comprised of holders of over 70% of the 8% senior subordinated notes issued by Canwest Investments Co., due 2012), Canwest Global’s board approved Shaw’s offer. On March 31, Shaw filed an application with the CRTC for approval of its acquisition of effective control of the conventional and specialty television undertakings indirectly owned by Canwest Global. Under that original offer, Shaw was to subscribe for Class A Voting shares representing a 20% equity and 80% voting interest in Restructured Canwest for a minimum $95 million in the aggregate. On May 3, Shaw scquired from Goldman Sachs & Co. affiliates 29.9% of the voting shares and 49.9% of the common non-voting shares in the capital of CWI. On May 4, Shaw advised the CRTC that, pursuant to an amendment to the March 31 application, Shaw’s indirect equity interest would be 100% of Restructured Canwest. Shaw also advised that, in addition to acquiring the shares of CWI indirectly held by Canwest Global, it would acquire, by way of an option, the remaining shares in the capital of CWI, held by Goldman Sachs entities, immediately following Commission approval of the application. On May 18, Canwest Global filed an application for authority to effect a multi-step corporate reorganization for restructuring purposes, as contemplated in the document entitled “Plan of Compromise, Arrangement and Reorganization”, of the Canwest Global licensed broadcasting subsidiaries pursuant to the CCAA, resulting in the issuance of new broadcasting licences. On July 28, at the end of the CCAA Proceedings, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice rendered an Order approving the Plan. 

On October 27, Shaw Communications announced it had reached the final stage in its purchase of Canwest’s television operations. There would be a gradual shift of branding to Shaw Media, and the company would gradually retire the Canwest name. Shaw would also close the Canwest corporate headquarters in Winnipeg. Shaw announced a new management team for the broadcasting division. It would be headed by Paul Robertson, who previously served as president of Shaw-controlled Corus Entertainment’s television division and oversaw the purchase of the Canwest assets. 

The CRTC approved an amendment to the licence for CIII-TV Paris to add a digital transmitter (post transitional). CIII-DT would operate on channel 6 (non-directional) with an effective radiated power of 4,400 watts with effective height above average terrain of 311.3 metres. The existing Canwest tower would be used. Programming would be received via satellite. 

Patrick O’Hara left as vice president of Global’s eastern stations and general manager of Global Toronto. Ron Waksman was now senior director of editorial policy and development, based in Toronto. Ward Smith became news director and station manager of Global Toronto. BNN executive producer Mike Omelus moved to Global News as Eastern regional director. He would oversee all editorial and production teams at Global Maritimes, Global Montreal, and Global Winnipeg’s newsrooms.

Bruce Garvey died at age 70. His career highlights were primarily associated with his work for the Toronto Star. He made the leap to TV reporting in 1977, first with CBC and later with Global, until he suffered a heart attack in the early 1980s.

Walter Levitt, the Chief Marketing Officer at Global Television, announced he would leave Canwest once Shaw had the CRTC’s approval to buy Canwest’s broadcasting business. Levitt would likely stay through a transition expected to last through November. 

On March 29, the CRTC administratively renewed the licence for a number of conventional television and transitional digital television stations until August 31, 2011.

The Commission said it would consider the applications for renewal of the broadcasting licences for the major English-language private conventional television ownership groups, by taking into account the determinations set out in Broadcasting Regulatory Policy 2010-167. These applications were announced in Broadcasting Notice of Consultation 2010-952 and would be heard at a public hearing to be held on 4 April 2011 in Gatineau, Quebec. Shaw Television G.P. Inc. (the general partner) and Shaw Media Global Inc.(the limited partner), carrying on business as Shaw Television Limited Partnership (The limited partner changed name on 3 December 2010 from 7509014 Canada Inc. to Shaw Media Global Inc.). The CRTC noted that it does not intend to renew authorizations for full-power analog transmitters operating in the mandatory markets or on channels 52 to 69 outside the mandatory markets beyond August 31, 2011. By that time, the Commission expected licensees to have the necessary authority to broadcast in digital. In addition, the Commission imposed the following condition of licence on the stations that operate in mandatory markets or on channels 52 to 69 outside the mandatory markets: Unless otherwise authorized by the Commission, the licensee shall not transmit analog television signals after 31 August 2011 in mandatory markets designated as such by the Commission in Broadcasting Regulatory Policy 2011-184 or transmit television signals on channels 52 to 69. The Commission also noted that, pursuant to Broadcasting Regulatory Policy 2010-69, it does not intend to renew, beyond 31 August 2011, authorizations for the transitional digital transmitters included in the broadcasting licences of the licensees set out in the appendix to this decision.

Antony Robart assumed the anchor duties for its weekend Evening News and News Final as of March 26. Robart, a seasoned reporter had been with Global Toronto since 2004. He took over the weekend anchor duties from Carolyn MacKenzie who took maternity leave. Ward Smith was News Director & Station Manager of Global Toronto. 

On July 27, the CRTC renewed the licence for CIII-DT-41 Toronto and its transmitters CFGC-TV Sudbury, CFGC-TV-2 North Bay, CIII-DT Paris, CIII-TV-2 Bancroft, CIII-TV-4 Owen Sound, CIII-DT-6 Ottawa, CIII-TV-7 Midland, CIII-TV-12 Sault Ste. Marie, CIII-TV-13 Timmins, CIII-DT-22 Stevenson, CIII-TV-27 Peterborough, CIII-TV-29 Oil Springs, and CIII-TC-55 Fort Erie, until August 31, 2016.

The CRTC approved an amendment to the licence for CIII-TV-41 Toronto, to add a new post-transition digital television transmitter at Midland. CIII-DT-7 would broadcast on channel 7 with a maximum effective radiated power of 6,750 watts (average of 3,630 watts), directional antenna with effective height above average terrain of 346.7 metres. The existing analog site would be used and programming would be received via satellite.

The deadline for the conversion of analog television to digital in mandatory markets was August 31. Global Toronto made the switchover before the deadline.

CIII-TV-22 Stevenson converted from analog to digital on August 8. Reduced power was used and the transmitter continued to use channel 22 (virtual channel 22.1). On August 15, CIII-TV-6 Ottawa made the analog to digital switch and continued to use channel 6 (6.1). On August 25, CIII-TV-7 Midland made the switch from analog to digital. The transmitter continued to use channel 7 (7.1). CIII-TV Paris made the transition on the same date and continued to use channel 6 (6.1). CIII-TV-41 Toronto also made the change on this date. Analog channel 41 was shut down and Global operated on transitional channel 65 and turned on post-transitional channel 41. Transitional channel 65 was shut down on August 31. CIII-TV-55 Fort Erie was shut down in August. It was expected that the channel 41 Toronto signal would cover the Niagara region. Global Toronto planned on transitioning its remaining transmitters to digital by 2016

Shaw Television G.P. Inc. (the general partner) and Shaw Media Global Inc. (the limited partner), carrying on business as Shaw Television Limited Partnership received CRTC approval to add a post-transition digital transmitter for CIII-TV-41 at Peterborough.

Sherida German was appointed to Shaw Media’s newly created role of senior director, marketing of Global News. German’s work, since 1998, had been focussed on the company’s specialty channels. Jason Keown became senior director of marketing-Global Entertainment. He had held a marketing position at Burger King Canada.

Jamie Schouela was appointed vice president of marketing at Shaw Media in Toronto where he would oversee marketing, publicity and creative efforts for Global Television and Shaw’s 19 specialty networks. Schouela had been vice president of marketing strategy for Global. Bud Pierce joined Global Toronto as the consulting executive producer for a new morning news program, planned for later in the year. Antony Robart became weekend anchor at Global Toronto on March 26, succeeding Carolyn MacKenzie who went on maternity leave. Robart had been a reporter at Global Toronto since 2004.

Dave Trafford, News Director at CFRB, moved September 15 to Global TV where he became Managing Editor. He succeeded Alan Carter who was now Global’s Queen’s Park Bureau Chief. Sonia Brum, a publicist at Global Toronto, left her position to begin with Rogers Media Television in Toronto, also in publicity.

Doriana Temolo was promoted to News Director of Global National. She had been Managing Editor of the national package. Global National hired Michael Hennigar as Senior Producer. He was a former CBC reporter/producer. Succeeding Temolo as Managing Editor was Doug Sydora, a long-time broadcast journalist at Global BC. 

Global Ontario Meteorologist Bill Coulter left for CP24 in Toronto…working the early show, CP24 Breakfast.

On July 4, the CRTC approved an application by Shaw Television Limited Partnership, to amend the licence for CIII-DT-41 Toronto in order to change the channel of its transmitter CIII-DT-6 Ottawa from 6 to 14 and to change the technical parameters of that transmitter by increasing the average effective radiated power from 650 to 49,200 watts. The licensee indicated that due to particular characteristics of channel 6 broadcast waves, it was often more difficult for viewers in Ottawa to receive the signal for CIII-DT-6. Consequently, the licensee identified channel 14 as the best available option since it would significantly improve signal reception for over-the-air viewers in the area.

On September 13, the CRTC approved the application by Shaw Television Limited Partnership to amend the broadcasting licence for CIII-DT-41 Toronto in order to add a digital transmitter to serve the area of North Bay, replacing its transmitter CFGC-TV-2 North Bay. The new transmitter CFGC-DT-2 North Bay would operate on channel 15 with an average effective radiated power of 9,900 watts (maximum ERP of 16,800 watts with an effective height of antenna above average terrain of 92.8 metres). Shaw indicated that the licence amendment was necessary to fulfill the portion of the tangible benefits package set out in Broadcasting Decision 2010-782 relating to the conversion of analog transmitters outside mandatory markets to digital.

The CRTC approved the amendment to the licence for CIII-DT-41 Toronto, to add post-transition digital rebroadcasting transmitters in Timmins, Sudbury, Oil Springs, and Owen Sound. CIII-DT-13 Timmins would broadcast on channel 13 with maximum effective radiated power of 30,000 watts (average ERP of 13,900 watts with an effective height of antenna above average terrain of 174 metres). CFGC-DT Sudbury would operate on channel 11 with ERP of 11,700 watts and effective height of antenna above average terrain of 141.5 metres. CIII-DT-29 Oil Springs would broadcast on channel 29 with maximum ERP of 184,000 watts (average ERP of 81,000 watts with effective height of antenna above average terrain of 209 metres). CIII-DT-4 Owen Sound would operate on channel 26 with maximum ERP of 192,000 watts (average ERP of 113,000 watts with effective height of antenna above average terrain of 132 metres). 

On September 19, the CRTC approved the application by Shaw Television G.P. Inc. (the general partner) and Shaw Media Global Inc. (the limited partner), carrying on business as Shaw Television Limited Partnership, to amend the licence for CIII-DT-41 Toronto in order to add a post transitional digital transmitter to replace its existing analog transmitter CIII-TV-12 Sault Ste. Marie. The new transmitter CIII-DT-12 would operate on channel 15 with a maximum effective radiated power of 6,000 watts (average ERP of 2,900 watts with an effective height of antenna above average terrain of 132 metres).

Senior Global News team changes: Boston Kenton, the Senior Director, National News and Global Vancouver Station Manager, was promoted to VP, BC and National News; Mike Omelus, the Eastern Regional Director responsible for Global Maritimes, Global Montreal and Global Winnipeg, was promoted to Senior Director, Southern Alberta; Tim Spelliscy, the Regional Director, News, AB and Station Manager at Global Edmonton, was promoted to Senior Director, Edmonton and Prairie Region; and Ward Smith was promoted from News Director/Station Manager at Global Toronto to Senior Director, Eastern Region. Boston continued responsibility for all national and foreign news operations, including the Ottawa Bureau and The West Block, as well as all BC news operations, including CHBC/Global Okanagan; Omelus moved to Calgary and was responsible for all Global News operations in Calgary and Lethbridge, and would work with Shaw on community engagement strategies and develop models for delivering Global News to new markets; Spelliscy continued to oversee operations at the Edmonton production centre, and had new responsibilities for Global Saskatoon, Global Regina and Global Winnipeg; and Smith remained in charge of Global Toronto as well as Global Montreal and Global Maritimes, as well as the Network Resource Centre based in Toronto. Moving to Vancouver and reporting to Boston was Jeff Bollenbach, the Station Manager/News Director at Global Calgary. He would work preparing the new BC regional 24/7 news channel (BC-1) for its anticipated launch on March 1. 

Andrew Lundy resigned as Director of GlobalNews.ca, a position he held since 2008. David Skok, who was Managing Editor, was now interim Acting Director. Lundy was also the RTDNA’s first digital Chair.

On January 22, the CRTC approved an application by Shaw Television Limited Partnership to amend the licence for CIII-DT-41 Toronto in order to change the channel of its transmitter CIII-DT Paris from 6 to 17 and to increase the average effective radiated power from 4,000 to 97,000 watts (maximum ERP from 4,000 to 165,000 watts) and decrease the average height above average terrain from 311.3 to 272 metres. Shaw indicated that the changes would significantly improve signal reception for the vast majority of over-the-air viewers in the Kitchener area.

Global News moved to a national morning show. As of January 7, The Morning Show enhanced local Global shows with conversations and interviews from Toronto for the half-hour period between 9:00 and 9:30 in all time zones. The host was Liza Fromer.

Andrew Lundy, former director of online for Global News in Toronto, joined The Canadian Press in January as its director of digital. Before Global, Lundy was editor-in-chief at MSN Canada and, before that, was with CBC.ca.

Jamie Schouela was no longer Vice President, marketing at Shaw Media in Toronto. He’d been in that position for two years and had been with Global Television and Shaw since September of 2005, first as director of marketing strategy, then promoted in November, 2007 to VP, marketing strategy (Global). His prior broadcast experience included seven years at Alliance Atlantis and Mix 96 Montreal. 

Dave Trafford was Global Toronto’s new News Director. He had been Managing Editor. He succeeded Ward Smith who was promoted to Senior Director, Eastern Region for Global News. Trafford moved to Global September 15, 2011 from his position as News Director at CFRB Radio. Before that, he was ND/Assistant Program Director at Talk 640. 

Cal Johnstone, the former News Director for the CTV stations in London and Windsor, returned to Global Television in Toronto as senior manager of digital resources. Johnstone had worked at Global from 1994 to 2003.

On June 6th, Global News announced that Leslie Roberts, Anchor of Global Toronto’s flagship News Hour newscast, would be taking on additional duties as the permanent host for The Morning Show’s national edition. Roberts would be joining Liza Fromer, Kris Reyes and Rosey Edeh on-air from 9-9:30am ET beginning Monday, June 17.

CIII-DT Paris changed channel from 6 to 17 (still virtual 6.1) in July.

Peter Desbarats died at age 80, in February. The former dean of the Graduate School of Journalism at Western University spent three decades working in journalism, including as co-anchor for Global Television. 

Leslie Roberts resigned from Global on January 15. This followed a newspaper investigation that alleged a conflict of interest due to his equity stake in a public relations firm.

On March 23, the CRTC approved an application by Shaw Communications Inc. on behalf of Shaw Media Inc. and its licensed subsidiaries, for authority to effect a multi-step corporate reorganization by transferring all of Shaw Communications’ shares in Shaw Media to Corus Entertainment Inc. or one of its subsidiaries. Since the creation of Corus in 1999, the Commission had regarded the two companies to be effectively controlled by J.R. Shaw and this reorganization wouldn’t change that. The deal was expected to close on April 1.

In early April, Corus Entertainment completed its $2.65 billion acquisition of Shaw Media. Corus now had 45 specialty TV services, 15 conventional TV channels, 39 radio stations, a global content business, and a portfolio of digital assets.

Employees at Corus television in Toronto, including Global, voted to join the Canadian Media Guild.

In February, Global News announced the elimination of nearly 80 positions across the country, in a move away from producing television news content. Fifty new digital news positions would be added, including multi-platform journalists who would file for new, local versions of Globalnews.ca in Ottawa, Kitchener, Guelph and Barrie.In August, Jimmy Stewart retired from Global News Toronto after 42 years. He was recognized with an RTDNA Lifetime Achievement Award earlier in 2018. 

On August 27, CHEX-DT Peterborough and CKWS-DT Kingston (both Corus-owned) became part of Global. All CTV programming was dropped and replaced with programs from Global. CHEX became Global Peterborough and CKWS, Global Kingston. For local newscasts, the two stations retained their local identities (CHEX News on Global Peterborough and CKWS News on Global Kingston). CHEX Durham had linked up with Global some time earlier.
Late in the year, Peter Hadzipetros, web producer at Global News Toronto, retired. He had been with Global since 2011. Before that he spent 29 years with the CBC as both a producer and online producer.
Global News, TVO and Postmedia would benefit from the first-round of Google News Initiative YouTube Innovation funding. Google said many of the 87 projects, selected in 23 countries, were focused on expanding newsroom video operations and trying out new ways of reporting news through video. Global said it would use its funding to support the growth of its original, online video news initiatives.

Christine Crosbie, 52, passed away on May 19. She worked with Global News Toronto from 1997 to 2007, holding roles including morning show co-host, reporter, weather anchor and producer. Prior to Global, she worked with CTV Toronto. 

Susan Hay celebrated 30 years with Global. Hay began her career at MCTV in Sudbury as a weather anchor, host and producer, eventually moving over to CBC as a weather anchor and entertainment reporter. In May 1989, she joined Global, anchoring daily regional and national forecasts on Global’s evening and late-night newscasts. During her time at Global, Hay had covered everything from weather, news, and special events and was now producing/hosting the Making a Difference segment.