CFTO-DT

The battle to get Toronto’s second television station licence was a fierce one. The applicants for channel 9 were Baton Aldred-Rogers Broadcasting Ltd., Rogers Radio Broadcasting Co. Ltd. (CFRB Radio), Spencer W. Caldwell, Consolidated Frybrook Industries (Jack Kent Cooke, owner of CKEY Radio), Granada TV of the U. K., Beland H. Honderich (The Toronto Daily Star), Maclean-Hunter Ltd., Henry Borden (C.M.G., Q.C.), Upper Canada Broadcasting Ltd., and J. S. D. Tory (Q.C.). In March, the Board of Broadcast Governors awarded the licence to Baton Aldred-Rogers Broadcasting Ltd. For the record, channel 9 was originally used by CBLT. That station later moved to channel 6 and then channel 5. The new station would broadcast on channel 9 with an effective radiated power of 325,000 watts video and 162,000 watts audio. Antenna height (EHAAT) would be 895 feet and a non-directional signal would be transmitted. Initially, the station would program 86 hours and 20 minutes per week: 41 hours and 50 minutes of live studio productions, 5 hours of remote pick-ups and 39 hours, 30 minutes of film transmissions. Total Canadian content of 61.73%. In prime time (7:30 to 11:00 p.m.), Canadian content would be 49.98%. 

Baton Aldred-Rogers Broadcasting Ltd. was a consortium consisting of the Baton group (The Eaton family, owners of the national department store chain, and The Telegram Corp., owner of The Toronto Telegram newspaper, published by John Bassett) – 40%; Aldred-Rogers Broadcasting Ltd. (veteran announcer Joel Aldred – who also performed the first commercial telecast in Canada; and Ted Rogers, owner of CHFI-FM) – 34%; Foster Hewitt Broadcasting (owned by “the voice of hockey” – Foster Hewitt – owner of CKFH Radio) – 10%; and Sovereign Films (Paul Nathanson) – 10%. The remaining 6% was held by Heathcourt Boulevard Investments (lawyers Eddie Goodman & Charles L. Dubin – Dubin would many years later be the Chief Justice of Ontario). They received their shares in lieu of legal fees for setting up the company. The Telegram also held 213 Class B preferred shares which held voting rights but did not allow for a share in the profits. This gave The Telegram 51% of the total voting stock. The Board of Directors: John W. H. Bassett, Joel W. Aldred, Foster Hewitt, Paul Nathanson, Allan Leslie Beattie, Charles L. Dubin, Q.C., John W. Graham, Q.C., Delbert S. Perigoe, Rai Purdy and Edward S. Rogers. Corporate Officers: John W. H. Bassett (chairman of the board), Joel W. Aldred (president), Edward S. Rogers (vice president), Foster Hewitt (vice president), Charles L. Dubin, Q.C. (secretary), Delbert S. Perigoe (treasurer).

In May, Baton Aldred Rogers received approval from Scarborough’s planning board for the location of the station’s facilities in the Ellesmere Avenue industrial area. The site would be on 31 acres on the west side of McCowan Road and the north side of Highway 401 (the address would be 1550 McCowan Road, Agincourt). The tower would be on the northwest corner of the lot. There would be three studios, each with three cameras; a theatre studio downtown for audience participation; 2 mobile units – one with 3 camera chains and the other with 2 VTR’s, and adequate film production and projection equipment. The station was expected to open in early 1961 and employ some 300 people.

Al Bruner, until this time, CJSP-AM (Leamington) general manager, became managing director, retaining his interest in that company, but moved to Toronto to become sales manager of the new Baton Aldred Rogers TV station. In addition to founding CJSP, Bruner starred for two years with CBS and later headlined the Al Bruner Show on WJR 760 Detroit.

June print ad 1: The Department of Transport has approved the call letters CFTO-TV for Channel 9 – Toronto’s first privately owned television station. Our promise to the Board of Broadcast Governors: we will supply a strong local service to Toronto, and our entire coverage area. Watch for great news of fulfillment from Channel 9. (Signed by) Joel Aldred, Baton Aldred Rogers Broadcasting Limited – 29 Melinda Street, Toronto.

June print ad 2: CFTO-TV Channel 9 – Progress report No. 1 for June – First episode of a totally new TV series is on tape…written by Canadians, featuring Canadian actors, produced by our Canadian staff for CFTO-TV, Toronto’s first privately-owned television station: Call Emergency is designed as a vehicle to sell your products to Canadians. This is another sign of CFTO fulfillment and progress. (signed, Joel Aldred)

RCA print ad: CFTO ordered one RCA TT-11AH 11 kW transmitter, driving: an RCA TT-50AH 50 kW amplifier, RCA TT-2AH 2 kW standby driver, RCA 50 kW custom built air-cooled filterplexer, and RCA travelling wave antenna with gain of 9, mounted on an 855 foot tower.

July print ad: Progress report No. 1 for July. Construction of channel 9 facilities is progressing rapidly. Crews are working sixteen hours per day. Installation of the RCA 50 KW transmitter should be completed by the end of this month. RCA Victor is our prime supplier in cooperation with McCurdy sound engineering and Strand Electric. North America’s most modern television station serving over 2,800,000 people within the A and B coverage areas, will commence service on January 1, 1961. (signed by Joel Aldred)

It was announced that CFTO intended to telecast in colour – subject to BBG approval. CFTO now had a mobile unit ready. It was a semi trailer containing three camera chains and one videotape recorder. CFTO would also be the first complete installation in Canada to be equipped with RCA Victor’s new TK12 #4 ½ cameras.

CFTO started to build its staff and management team: Charles Baldour (manager), B. Kayajanian (controller), Hal Lee (videotape supervisor), Chris Slagter (film director), Doug Robinson (farm director), Don Williamson (chief engineer), Hugh Potter (assistant chief engineer). Rai Purdy, who had just helped Roy Thompson get Scottish Television on the air in the U.K. was program director. CBC producer Murray Chercover became executive producer to handle production work for CFTO. Johnny Esaw was sports director.

Al Bruner, sales manager, announced the appointments of Ted Delaney as retail sales manager. He was most recently with CHCH-TV Hamilton. Appointed as national sales representatives: Fred Ellis (from Radio & Television Sales Inc.), Neil McDonald (from Leo Burnett) and Bernie Le Maitre (from a Buffalo TV station). 

Members of the newly licensed second television stations formed the Independent Television Organization with the expectation of creating a second television network in competition with the CBC. ITO officers: Richard E. Misener of CFCF-TV (president), Ralph Misener of CJAY-TV (vice president), Charles Baldour from CFTO-TV (secretary) and E. L. Bushnell of Bushnell Broadcasting (treasurer). Elected directors: Finlay MacDonald (president of CJCH), Paul L’Anglais (vice president of CFTM-TV), Gordon Love (chairman of CFCN), G.R.A. Rice (president of CFRN) and Art Jones (president of CHAN-TV).

CFTO progress report No. 2 for July – telling the CFTO story as it unfolds, is a colourful story because it’s a big story. At this writing, our sales manager Al Bruner, has been introducing our Toronto national sales representatives to the trade; Fred Ellis, Neil MacDonald and Bernie Le Maitre bring a wealth of agency, station and client knowledge to our organization. They are the nucleus of a team geared to work with agencies and clients to achieve the maximum sales potential that is TO-TV. Covering the Regional sales front and headed by Ted Delaney are Robert Baum, John Bromley, Bob Clinton and Eric Jackson. The balance of our sales organization in Canada and the United States will be finalized soon. With Len McCollas Commercial Co-ordinator and with Market and Audience Research under the guidance of Dr. Bill Byram, we work with you and sell for you with knowledge and good sense. Our merchandising and promotion plans are progressing – a vital part of our CFTO Marketing concept.

RCA Victor ad – August – CFTO-TV channel 9 – World’s most modern TV station. Partial list of RCA equipment ordered: Transmitter Equipment: RCA custom-built Tw-9A9 travelling wave antenna mounted on an 815 foot tower. RCA TT-50AH 50 KW TV transmitter with power cutback kit. RCA TT-2AH 2 KW standby transmitter. 1,000 foot RCA 6 1/8 Universal Transmission line. One RCA 50 KW custom-built air-cooled filterplexer. Studio Equipment: Completely transistorized custom-built RCA switching and control system, especially designed for the addition of automation. 9 – RCA TK-12 4 ½ inch I.O. cameras (monochrome). 1 – RCA TRT-1A TV tape recorder (monochrome). Complete RCA ground weather system. Film Equipment: 3 – RCA TK-21C videon film cameras (monochrome), 3 – $CA TP-15 film multiplexers. 3 – RCA TP-7A slide projectors. 1 – RCA TP-8B random access slide projector. Mobile Unit: 3 – RCA TK-12 camera chains. 1 – RCA TRT-1A tape recorder. RCA TVM-1A 6,000 mc microwave system. Colour Equipment: 2 – RCA TK-41A colour studio camera chains with approved colour processing equipment and monitors. 1 – RCA TK-26A colour film camera chain with automatic light control. 2 – RCA TRT-1A tape recorders (colour).

As of August 8, Monte Hutton had joined CFTO’s retail sales staff from All-Canada Radio & Television.

CFTO-TV Progress Report No. 1 for August – Our first program schedule came off the press this week. Details of programming, including comprehensive outlines are available now for our sales offices. Following the success of our initial pilot in the drama series “Call Emergency” we have just video-taped “The Things We See” built around top Canadian art critic, Alan Jarvis. “The Things We See” is designed to be a major prestige vehicle in the field of Canadian TV. More live Canadian programming is being completed by Rai Purdy, CFTO-TV’s director of programs and his executive producer, Murray Chercover. Our production team under their supervision is being steadily augmented by men and women who are highly skilled in creating and producing top-flight television programs.

In August, CFTO was advertising for top flight newscasters, sportscasters and reporters with lots of experience on the “Canadian scene”. Responses were to be directed to Rai Purdy, director of programmes, CFTO-TV, Manchester Building, 29 Melinda Street. An ad at the end of the month promoted the fact the station’s sales force was now at full strength with retail and regional sales “shaping up fast”.

September 1 print ad: “On top of everything from the start” – that’s the CFTO-TV philosophy. By the time you read this our building will be closed in and out transmitter and allied equipment installation will be well under way. “Erection of our nearly 1,000 foot micro-tower will begin shortly”. “On January 1, 1961, the world’s largest, most modern independent television station will go on the air, complete in every detail”.

Fall Ad: Count on CFTO-TV Channel 9 Toronto to multiply your sales in Canada’s wealthiest market. 925 feet high and broadcasting to more square miles than any other in the nation, the CFTO-TV tower signals some three million people that yours is the product to purchase, the service to specify. … 10,000 square feet of studio, office and production facilities on a thirty-two acre site in suburban Toronto make CFTO-TV the world’s largest, most modern independent television station. One television station and one only can be the leader in its city, in its province, in its country. Commencing operation in such an advanced manner and with such a roster of top flight personnel, CFTO-TV can only become Number One. 304 experienced creative minds, among the most qualified in the broadcasting industry, working with the most advanced equipment in the television field, are at your service every time you sell with CFTO-TV. 325,000 watts maximum power. The largest single TV installation ever made by RCA anywhere. This is maximum television. Let CFTO-TV deliver Canada’s wealthiest market to you.

The BBG turned down colour telecasting for now. CFTO was to launch January 1, 1961 and was all ready for colour operations. This decision was a disappointment. On the other hand, CFTO hoped to repatriate Canadian viewers. It noted that CBLT’s share of the audience was 39% in 1954, 31% in 1955, 30% in 1957 and was only 27% at the start of this year.

An update on the staff and management: Joel W. Aldred (president), Charles Baldour (station manager), Al Bruner (sales manager), Ted Delaney (retail sales manager), Gordon Kennedy (public relations manager), Rai Purdy (director of programs), Douglas M. Robinson (director of farm services), Jean Beattie (director of women’s affairs), Christian H.F. Slagter (director of film operations), Donald B. Williamson (chief engineer), Dr. D.B. Byram (manager of research), Murray Chercover (executive producer), Len B. McColl, (manager of commercial productions), Burgess Kayajanian (comptroller), Ron Poulton (news director) and Jean Hunter (casting director). 

A print ad from the third week of October: tower complete, transmitter installation complete, mobile unit complete. 3,073,000 Canadians within A and B coverage – vast C coverage as an extra. Substantial New York State coverage as an extra. Quality live programming preparations well underway. Broad public service, farm and educational programming plans firmed up. Feature film library – Columbia Post-48 films brand new to television.  

Early November Ad: Maximum programming as initiated by CFTO-TV – Channel 9 – Toronto. Maximum news, sports and special events coverage. Seven news telecasts daily. Impact (the Canadian scene in depth). Sportscasts. Spectaculars. Vanity Fair (fashions, recipes, interviews). Hobby-House (do-it yourself news, photography, etc.). Farm Reports (events, prices, developments). Outstanding films from the world’s top studios – and in prime time too! – From Here To Eternity. On The Waterfront. Born Yesterday. The Egg and I. The Caine Mutiny. The Jolson Story. The Edie Duchin Story. – and hundreds more of equally high calibre from Post-1948 Libraries. PLUS…quality live Canadian productions… PLUS…all the top perennial favourites…PLUS…Great NEW pre-released syndicated programs.

Joe Crysdale joined the sports department. He had spent the past 16 years with CKEY Radio.

Mid-November Ad: Maximum Programming as initiated by CFTO-TV. Quality live Canadian productions: The Things We See, Young Moderns Country Style, Vanity Fair, King Ganam, Country Neighbours, The Personality Show, Great Hymns of All Times, Grassroots, Teen Time. All the top perennial favourites: 77 Sunset Strip, The Real McCoys, The Rebel, Rifleman, Donna Reed, Lock-up, Wyatt Earp, Ozzie & Harriet, Meet McGraw, Wanted Dead or Alive. Great new pre-release properties: Andy Griffith, Route 66, Best of The Post, Naked City, Guestward Ho!, Brothers Brannigan, Jim Backus’ Yogi Bear. PLUS…Outstanding films from the world’s TOP studios. PLUS…Maximum news, sports and special events coverage.

CFTO-TV Channel 9 began broadcasting at 10:00 p.m., December 31. The first telecast was a telethon for the Ontario Association for Retarded Children, hosted by Joel Aldred, and complete with fireworks outside, at midnight. It was the longest ever telethon to air to this point in time. The telethon continued into January 1, 1961 – CFTO’s official first day of broadcasting.

Programming vice president Rai Purdy resigned early in the year, and was replaced by Murray Chercover, who had joined CFTO from the CBC as a producer in 1960.

In March, Joel Aldred sold his interest in CFTO, as the station began to experience major cost-over-runs, which prompted layoffs. The American ABC Television Network (American Broadcasting-United Paramount Theatres, Inc.) came to the rescue by investing $2,000,000 in non-voting debentures, which were later bought back by Baton. ABC executive Don Coyle (who in later years was briefly executive vice president of CTV) was ABC’s representative on the Baton Board. While Aldred’s overspending on technical equipment had contributed significantly to CFTO’s financial problems, his prescience in investing in colour equipment, long before it could be used, enabled CFTO to be in the vanguard of production when the go-ahead was give for colour broadcasting.

On May 29th Board Chairman John Bassett appointed W.O. (Bill) Crampton as General Manager of CFTO-TV.  He was charged with finding “ways of making more efficient use of the station’s facilities without an increase in expenditure.”

Harvey Kirck, who had joined CFTO as a news reporter, was made news director.

CFTO joined the new CTN (Canadian Television Network – later CTV) on October 1. The network was launched by Spence Caldwell, one of the original applicants for channel 9. Other affiliated stations were in Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, Winnipeg and Vancouver (CFRN Edmonton would join once the CBC had its station on the air there).

On-the-air: Don Parrish (news anchor), Pat Murray, Dave Devall, Don Cameron, Ruth Freems, Terri Clark, and Rai Purdy. Sports: Johnny Esaw, Tim Ryan, Joe Chrysdale, Annis Stukus, and Brian McFarlane. For the record, Devall joined the second week CFTO was on the air. Murray Chercover became director of programming.

Programming vice president Rai Purdy resigned early in the year, and was replaced by Murray Chercover, who had joined CFTO from the CBC as a producer in 1960.

In March, Joel Aldred sold his interest in CFTO, as the station began to experience major cost-over-runs, which prompted layoffs. The American ABC Television Network (American Broadcasting-United Paramount Theatres, Inc.) came to the rescue by investing $2,000,000 in non-voting debentures, which were later bought back by Baton. ABC executive Don Coyle (who in later years was briefly executive vice president of CTV) was ABC’s representative on the Baton Board. While Aldred’s overspending on technical equipment had contributed significantly to CFTO’s financial problems, his prescience in investing in colour equipment, long before it could be used, enabled CFTO to be in the vanguard of production when the go-ahead was give for colour broadcasting.

On May 29th Board Chairman John Bassett appointed W.O. (Bill) Crampton as General Manager of CFTO-TV.  He was charged with finding “ways of making more efficient use of the station’s facilities without an increase in expenditure.”

Harvey Kirck, who had joined CFTO as a news reporter, was made news director.

CFTO joined the new CTN (Canadian Television Network – later CTV) on October 1. The network was launched by Spence Caldwell, one of the original applicants for channel 9. Other affiliated stations were in Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, Winnipeg and Vancouver (CFRN Edmonton would join once the CBC had its station on the air there).

On-the-air: Don Parrish (news anchor), Pat Murray, Dave Devall, Don Cameron, Ruth Freems, Terri Clark, and Rai Purdy. Sports: Johnny Esaw, Tim Ryan, Joe Chrysdale, Annis Stukus, and Brian McFarlane. For the record, Devall joined the second week CFTO was on the air. Murray Chercover became director of programming.

Bob MacAdorey was on the air at CFTO.

The BBG approved the CTV affiliates buying the network. Murray Chercover moved from CFTO to CTV to become executive vice president. Ted Delaney added the title of vice president of programming to his sales position. By this time, CTV was carrying 64 hours weekly of programs, with CFTO being the major producer of Canadian programming.

ITO was dissolved, and henceforward CFTO’s Delaney was a member of the CTV buying group which went to L.A. to acquire new U.S. series each year.

CFTO was the first private station to equip its studios with colour television cameras, and began ‘test’ broadcasts in colour three months before the official launch of colour TV in Canada on September 1st.

CTV moved the origination of its nightly newscasts to CFTO from CJOH Ottawa.

Mike Darow could be seen on channel 9.

Pig and Whistle, the first of a string of half-hour musical variety shows to be produced at CFTO, launched on CTV in September.

Bernie Pascall joined to do sports and Peter Emmerson joined as a reporter.

Lorne Freed, a CFTO staff member since July of 1960 (before the station opened) and executive producer for the past three years, resigned to go into business for himself. It should be noted that Freed left the station for a year in 1964 to work for Screen Gems Canada.

In addition to producing many programs for CTV, CFTO now became an attractive option for U.S. producers wanting to create product for the 7:00 – 8:00 Prime Access time period which could no longer be programmed by the U.S. networks. Over the next few years, the series, which were crafted to qualify as Canadian content so they could play on CTV stations, included The Barbara McNair Show, The Ray Stevens Show (a summer replacement for the Andy Williams Show on NBC), Rollin’ On The River and Half the George Kirby Comedy Hour.

Rogers Cable TV Ltd. had its licence renewed for two years on July 10, contingent on Glen Warren Productions Ltd. disposing of its 50% interest in Rogers. Glen Warren ownership was the same as parent Baton Broadcasting with The Telegram Corp. Ltd. hoding apx. 53%. All Telegram shares were owned by Eaton and Bassett trusts. Ted Rogers would then sell his interest in CFTO (Baton).

Fergie Olver joined to do sports, replacing Bernie Pascall who left for Vancouver’s BCTV in September. 

A.R. MacGregor, assistant director of engineering, left for Ontario ETV (educational television).

Slogan: Showplace of the World.

Ian J. Hall was general sales manager. John James was appointed to CFTO’s national sales staff.

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission gave CBS permission to continue delivering its radio and television programs to Canadian stations. Buffalo’s WBEN-TV opposed this on the grounds that some U.S. programs were being broadcast by Canadian stations and heard/viewed in the U.S. prior to their broadcast in that country. WBEN-TV referred to competition from CFTO, CBLT and CHCH but did not seek to bar the broadcast of CBS programs on Canadian stations, but sought prohibition of the pre-release practice so it could compete on an equal basis. The FCC said available data did not indicate that pre-release had any impact on WBEN-TV or any other American station. The FCC also said the CRTC’s new 60% prime time Canadian Content regulations would likely reduce the percentage of U.S. audiences watching Canadian stations. 

CFTO (along with fellow CTV affiliate CJOH-TV Ottawa) resigned from the Canadian Association of Broadcasters in protest at the CAB’s stance on new CRTC demands for more Canadian content programming. They both rejoined some years later.

CFTO-TV became the first television station in the market to offer an early evening newscast (World Beat News), seven days a week. The late evening newscast (after the CTV network news) was called Night Beat News.

On December 21, Baton was denied the addition of a rebroadcast transmitter for CFTO at Owen Sound (channel 12, 7,100 watts video, 1,600 watts audio, directional, 449 feet). CKCO Kitchener was awarded the licence (at Wiarton). 

William O. Crampton left CFRB Radio to open a TV consulting service. As VP and GM of CFTO, he was credited with putting the station into a profitable position. Crampton had left CFTO for CFRB in 1968 to help the radio station in its effort to obtain a television licence.

Baton received CRTC approval to acquire CFQC-TV Saskatoon, the first step down the long road to the eventual acquisition of control of the CTV network.

CFTO’s chief engineer, Hellmut Berger, was named director of engineering for Baton Broadcasting.

Most of Toronto’s FM and TV stations (including CFTO) were given approval on December 14 to transmit from the future CN Tower (under construction). 

Terry Glecoff joined CFTO as a reporter. He had been a “Good News” reporter at CFRB Radio.

Douglas Bassett replaced older brother Johnny on the Board of Baton Broadcasting.

Tom Gibney joined CFTO as a news anchor.

On May 24, test transmissions began from the new CN Tower. Fulltime broadcasting from the tower commenced May 31 at 12:01 a.m. for 24 hour a day stations, or sign-on for stations that left the air overnight. CN Tower 
broadcast tests had been conducted between May 24 and 31st. The following FM stations broadcast from the new facility: CBC-FM (CBL), CHFI-FM, CHIN-FM, CHUM-FM, CKFM-FM, CBLFT-TV, CBLT-TV, CFTO-TV, CICA-TV and CITY-TV. The CN Tower was located at 301 Front Street West in downtown 
Toronto.

CFTO was now operating from an effective height above average terrain of 1,532 feet. The old antenna height in Agincourt (where the studios remained) was 916 feet. CFTO’s effective radiated power was now 325,000 watts video (unchanged) and 37,500 watts audio.

Engineer Bart Bartholomew retired from CFTO. He played a big role in the station’s initial installation, as well as the move to the CN Tower. His career dated back to 1942 when he was at CKCL-AM in Toronto.

CFTO-TV had its licence renewed. The CRTC said the station’s support had been critical to the success of the CTV Network. CFTO’s Glen-Warren Productions, described as the third largest production facility in the world with 400 full-time employees, was urged to develop its plans for Canadian drama.

Douglas Bassett became Vice-President and Managing Director of Baton Broadcasting

The CRTC refused to grant Baton permission to acquire the assets of Multiple Access, owners of CTV affiliate station CFCF-TV Montreal. 

Peter Emmerson returned to CFTO as program host and chief announcer.

In a review of television licences in the Toronto region, the CRTC found CFTO-TV had the least amount of Canadian content between 8:00 and 10:00 p.m. – less than five per cent. It also found that the plans for drama series for the current season – at $60,000 per episode – were encouraging.

Ray Carnovale, for 4 ½ years transmission engineer for the Ontario Educational Communications Authority, was now chief engineer at CFTO. Later in the year, he was named a vice president of CFTO-TV. 

Donald Ferguson became CFTO’s general sales manager. Richard Heatherington became sales manager.

Hellmut H. Berger, director of engineering for Baton Broadcasting Ltd. passed away on August 22. He joined the station in 1962 as chief engineer and was promoted to corporate director of engineering in 1972. Berger was responsible for converting CFTO to colour in 1966 and was chairman of the CN Tower broadcasters committee.

Janice Currie became program and promotion manager at CFTO. She had been talent co-ordinator with co-owned Glen-Warren Productions. Fraser Kelly left CFTO to join CBLT’s new supper time newscast, Newshour.

The CRTC issued short-term renewals to television stations in the Toronto area, again complaining that the stations had failed to develop quality Canadian programs, particularly drama, musicals and children’s shows. CFTO’s licence was renewed for two years and nine months. Even though CFTO had spent $11 million on its plant during the past four years, the station was told it still had too few Canadian shows in prime time.

Douglas Bassett became President of Baton, while John moved up to become Chairman of the Board. 

The on-air team included: Anchors – Tom Gibney, Christine Bentley, Ken Shaw…Weather – Dave Devall…Sports – Pat Marsden, Fergie Olver…Reporters – Bill Rogers…Hosts – Isobel Bassett. 

Crime reporter Vic Phillips left CFTO to write novels and to free-lance. 

Tom Clark, who co-hosted CFTO’s weekly Hourlong with Isobel Bassett, was named CTV’s Peking correspondent – the youngest ever so appointed. He was 31. He was replaced on Hourlong by CTV Atlantic correspondent, Del Archer.

Allan J. Morris was named vice president of engineering at CFTO-TV. He had been assistant chief engineer of CFTO-TV Limited for the past three years. Raymond J. Carnovale was named vice president of engineering for Baton Broadcasting Inc. Prior to this appointment, Carnovale held the position of vice president of engineering of CFTO-TV Ltd. In his new position, he would assume the responsibility for engineering activities of the Baton group of companies.

Bernie McNamee joined CFTO as a reporter. He had been at CKO-FM. Fergie Olver left CFTO after 15 years. Terry Mannone was host of Toronto Today. Terry was the wife CFTO sportscaster Pat Marsden.

In August, World Beat News was expanded to an hour – moving from 6:30-7:00 p.m. to 6:00-7:00 p.m. Anchors were Gail Smith and Tom Gibney. Ken Shaw and Christine Bentley were the anchors for Night Beat News. 

Dan Matheson was doing sports. Ian Slack was a reporter. Fergie Olver (sports) left CFTO on July 5. Lin Eleoff joined Tim Weber at CFTO’s weekend anchor desk.

Even though CKO-FM entertainment editor Lynne Gordon took a 6-month leave of absence from that station to write her autobiography, she continued her work on CFTO’s “Toronto Today”. Sean Delaney (son of Ted) was now sales manager.

John Boreley was a reporter. Joe Tilley (Tillapaugh) was doing sports. Dan Matheson left CFTO-TV for CTV Sports.

One of the co-founders of CFTO-TV, Foster Hewitt (the voice of hockey) passed away April 21 at age 81. 

Sean R. Delaney was promoted to general sales manager. 

CFTO-TV purchased three SK-110D Hitachi studio color cameras.

CFTO began broadcasting in stereo. 

John W. H. Bassett was invested as an Officer of the Order of Canada. In December, John Bassett stepped down as Chairman of the Board of Baton, but remained as a director and chairman of the executive committee, and as Baton’s representative on the Board of CTV. 

The anchor team now included Gail Smith and Tim Weber. Sports anchors included Pat Marsden, Dan Matheson, Joe Tilley,  Gerry Dobson, and Lance Brown. John Borley, Glen Cochrane, Mike Katrycz and Bernie McNamee were among the station’s reporters. Arthur Vaile did business reports.

CFTO celebrated its 25th anniversary on January 1. To mark the occasion, the station aired a one-hour anniversary special. At this point in its history, the station boasted of a potential audience of six million, and claimed to be Canada’s most watched television station. Even though much of the company’s production was the responsibility of sister company Glen-Warren Productions, CFTO had produced many outstanding features over the past 25 years: Toronto Today; The Pig ‘n’ Whistle; Stars on Ice; Circus; Grand Old Country; Definition; The Littlest Hobo; Headline Hunters; Comedy Factory; Night Heat and Check It Out. Specials included: Murder in Space; Romeo and Juliet; Muppet Specials; Faery Tale Theatre; many made for TV movies; the annual Miss Teen Canada pageants; and the world-wide TV crusades of The Billy Graham Organization. 

Pat Marsden left CFTO sports. Gerry Dobson was promoted to the newly created post of sports manager. George Bryson joined CFTO as weekend sports anchor/reporter from CKVR Barrie. Former manager of technical operations at CFTO – Maurie Jackson – joined The Life Channel as operations manager. Peter Emmerson (former host of Toronto Today) left for Global. Paul Rogers joined CFTO news from CFRB-AM. In addition to Dave Devall, Peter Emmerson was also doing weather. George Bryson was now in the sports department. He had been with Barrie’s CKVR-TV. Jim Junkin and Paul Rogers were among the news reporters. Rogers joined from CFRB-AM.

Mike Ongarato joined CFTO from Sudbury to co-anchor Toronto Today with Terry Marsden.

Peter Durrant left CFTO News for the CTV network. 

John W. Bassett resigned from the board and executive committee of CTV. His son Douglas G. Bassett was appointed to the board.

Kate Wheeler joined CFTO as a reporter. Patricia Raddey left for Canada News Wire. She had been senior program organizer and assistant to the assignment editor at CFTO.

Tom Clarke returned to CFTO as political editor. He had been with the station for ten years as a reporter and anchor before moving to CTV in 1983.

Baton received CRTC approval to acquire CJOH-TV Ottawa.  CFTO endured and survived a twelve-week strike on the part of its unionized employees.

Joseph J. Garwood was appointed executive vice president and chief operating officer at Baton Broadcasting. Edward J. Delaney became executive vice president. Robin Fillingham was now secretary and vice president of finance and administration. F. Keith Campbell became vice president of corporate affairs. 

A twelve week lockout at CFTO-TV came to an end. Negotiators for employees represented by NABET accepted a contract similar to one tabled by the company almost four months earlier. However, 112 NABET members whose jobs would have been guaranteed under the May offer were not to be recalled to work. About 292 members of the union, who were in a legal strike position, were locked out by the station on June 7. One hundred employees eventually crossed the picket line to return to work. Under the negotiated agreement, only 80 of the remaining 192 NABET represented employees were recalled back to work within the first two weeks after the settlement. The remaining 112 were offered an enhanced severance package if they resigned. 

Catherine T. Huppe was appointed vice-president of programming and promotions.

Sandie Rinaldo was appointed weekday news anchor and senior editor of the station’s dinner-hour newscast. She had been an anchor with the CTV network.

On-air: Anchors – Christine Bentley, Lin Eleoff, Tom Gibney, Ken Shaw, Gail Smith, Jennifer Ward, Tim Weber, Kate Wheeler. Weather – Dave Devall. Sports – Lance Brown, George Bryson, Gerry Dobson, Joe Tilley. Program Hosts – Terry Marsden, Mike Ongarato. Reporters – Tom Clark, Kelly Crowe, Tom Hayes, Bill Hutchison, Mike Katrycz, Randy Mcdonald, Paul Rogers, Julie Roper, Tim Sheehi, Jennifer Ward, Lois Warren, Kate Wheeler, Arthur Vaile (business). Notes – Gail Smith left October 21. Kelly Crowe left for CBLT. Jennifer Ward joined as a reporter in August and became an anchor in September.

 CFTO’s new noonhour news package was hosted by Lin Eleoff and Mike Ongarato. 

Sean R. Delaney was appointed vice-president and general sales manager.

Tom Hayes, Sandie Rinaldo (joined in January from CTV News) and Nerene Virgin were now part of CFTO’s anchor team. Steve Jacobs was now doing weather at the station. Stu Bundy was now on the sports team. Reporters included, Mitzi Benjamin, Tom Clark, Glen Cochrane, Austin Delaney, Tom Hayes, Jim Junkin, Jan Sims (joined), Jennifer Ward, Kate Wheeler, and Arthur Vaile (business). 

Mid-Canada Television, comprising CTV affiliate stations and some CBC twin-sticks in Sudbury, Timmins and North Bay, was acquired by Baton. 

On-air: Anchors – Christine Bentley, Lin Eleoff, Tom Gibney, Tom Hayes, Bill Hutchison, Sandi Rinaldo, Ken Shaw, Nerene Virgin, Jennifer Ward, Tim Weber, Kate Wheeler. Weather – Dave Devall, Steve Jacobs, Robin Ward. Sports – Lance Brown, George Bryson, Gerry Dobson, Suneel Joshi, Joe Tilley. Reporters – Mitzi Benjamin, John Borley, Tom Clark, Glen Cochrane, Austin Delaney, Mike Duffy, Pat Foran, Richard Gizbert, Tom Hayes, Jim Junkin, Bill Rodgers, Paul Rogers, Jan Sims, Tim Sheehi, Nerene Virgin, Kate Wheeler, Arthur Vaile (business). Program Hosts – Isabel Bassett. Notes – Joshi joined from CITY-TV. 

An application by CFTO for a rebroadcaster at Orillia (channel 21 with ERP of 207,700 watts) was denied by the CRTC. The station told the CRTC that the transmitter would serve the many Metro people who vacationed in the area. Strong opposition came from CKCO-TV Kitchener which had a rebroadcaster in Huntsville, and CKVR-TV Barrie.

Sandie Rinaldo returned to the CTV network after being a news anchor at CFTO since 1988.

Beverly Thomson was part of the anchor team. Reporters included – Isabel Bassett (features), Mitzi Benjamin, Pauline Chan, Tom Clark, Glen Cochrane, Austin Delaney, Mike Duffy, Lin Eleoff, Pat Foran, Richard Gizbert, Tom Hayes, Bill Hutchison, Jim Junkin, Bill Rodgers, Tim Sheehi, Ken Sherman, Jan Sims, Ian Slack, Beverly Thomson, Tim Weber, Kate Wheeler, Arthur Vaile (business). Notes – Jennifer Ward left for KYW-TV in July. Chan joined in May.

Lin Eleoff who had been co-host of Showbuzz with Robin ward, took over as host of Toronto Today. Eleoff had been weekend news anchor before moving to Showbuzz. She replaced Nerene Virgin.

Sandra Neal was now a news anchor. John Bassett was a sportscaster. Program hosts included – Mike Duffy, Sandra Neal, Nerene Virgin, Robin Ward. Mike Katrycz, Robin Ward, and Anne Brodie did entertainment reports. Reporters included – Pauline Chan, Tom Clark, Glen Cochrane, Mike Duffy, Peter Durant, Lin Eleoff, Pat Foran, Brad Giffen, Tom Hayes, Bill Hutchison, Jim Junkin, Leon Korbee (joined), Bill Rodgers, Julie Roper, Tim Sheehi, Beverly Thomson, Tim Weber, Paul Rogers, Sandra Neal, Arthur Vaile (business). 

Ivan Fecan, who had resigned his position as Vice-President of the CBC’s English-language network, joined Baton as Senior Group Vice President and a member of the Office of the President.

Baton Broadcasting was given CRTC approval to acquire CFPL-TV London and CKNX-TV Wingham from the Blackburn Group Inc.

Ross de la Cruz died November 3 at 50. He joined CFTO-TV in 1969 as assistant to the director of engineering. In 1981 he joined Hitachi Denshi. 

Ron Poulton, 77, died November 16. He was CFTO’s news director in 1960-61. 

Mary Ito and Paul Rogers were part of the anchor team. Reporters – Paul Bliss, Tom Clark, Glen Cochrane, Mike Duffy, Peter Durant, Lin Eleoff, Brad Giffen, Tom Hayes, Bill Hutchison, Mary Ito, Alicia Kay, Evelyn Kryt, Karlene Nation, Bill Rodgers, Paul Rogers, Julie Roper, Tim Sheehi, Tim Weber, Beverly Thomson, Sandra Neil, Arthur Vaile (business). Notes – Bliss left for CFPL-TV. Nation joined in March. Sheehi left.

Long-time reporter Glen Cochrane retired January 15. He joined the station in 1968 as a writer and became a reporter three years later. 

CFTO-TV received approval to operate two rebroadcast transmitters: Orillia (channel 21 with effective radiated power of 207,600 watts) and Peterborough (Bobcaygeon – channel 54 with ERP of 223,200 watts).

On September 1, CFTO-TV Ltd., Nation’s Capital Television Inc. (CHRO-TV Pembroke), South West Ontario Broadcasting Inc. (CFPL-TV London & CKNX-TV Wingham) and Mid-Canada Communications (Canada) Corp. (CKSO-TV Sudbury, CJIV-TV Sault Ste. Marie and CFCL-TV Timmins – and all CTV affiliates and their “Twin Stick” CBC re-broadcasters) amalgamated to become BBS Ontario Inc. a division of Baton Broadcasting Inc. 

Douglas Bassett became Chairman of the Board of CTV. 

Christine Crosbie was now part of the weather team. She joined in January. Carla Collins was now a program host. Reporters – Tom Clark, Austin Delaney, Mike Duffy, Tom Hayes, Mary Ito, Alicia Kay, Tom Johnston, Evelyn Kryt, Jennifer Martin, Kurt Muller (joined), Karlene Nation, Bill Rodgers, Jan Sims, Ian Slack, Arthur Vaile (business).

On March 24, the CRTC renewed CFTO’s licence until August 31, 2002. The Commission noted the commitment made by the licensee in its renewal application to broadcast a minimum weekly average of 15 hours 30 minutes of local news. In Decision CRTC 89-93, the Commission expected the licensee to provide Canadian talent in the Toronto region with on-screen opportunities through more local specials or by featuring local musical/ variety talent within the body of other programs, scheduled at times when large audiences can be expected. The Commission noted the licensee’s efforts toward fulfilling this expectation, particularly with respect to the information program “Eye on Toronto”. The Commission also noted the local program “Encounter”, which was a weekly series that explored spiritual, social and religious issues, and “Inside Blue Jays Baseball”, a weekly highlight program produced during the baseball season.

CFTO’s Orillia and Peterborough rebroadcast transmitters signed on the air on June 2.

Bev Oda became Baton Broadcasting’s senior vice president of programming on April 24. Ivan Fecan became Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer. Peter H. Bradley was appointed vice president and general manager of CFTO-TV. He had been with Baton Broadcasting for over 16 years. His appointment was effective June 19.

On-Air: Anchors – Christine Bentley, Lane Fraser, Tom Gibney, Bill Hutchison, Alicia Kay, Sandra Neal, Ken Shaw, Beverly Thomson, Tim Weber, Kate Wheeler. Weather – Christine Crosbie, Dave Devall, Steve Jacobs, Robin Ward. Sports – Lance Brown, George Bryson, Gerry Dobson, Claude Feig, Suneel Joshi, Joe Tilley. Program Hosts – Carla Collins, Robin Ward. Entertainment – Mike Katrycz, Robin Ward, Anne Brodie. Reporters – Pauline Chan, Tom Clark (national), Austin Delaney, Norman Fetterley, Mike Duffy (national), Claude Feig, Pat Foran, Tom Hayes, Tom Johnson, Jim Junkin, Alicia Kay, Jennifer Martin, Dan Miles, Kurt Muller, Karlene Nation, Paul Rogers, Ian Slack, Ali Velshi, Arthur Vaile (business). Notes – Fraser joined from CJOH-TV Ottawa in November. Lance Brown left September 19 for CFRN-TV Edmonton. Lin Eleoff became the first host of the entertainment program Entertainment Now (E-Now). 

In September, it was announced that Baton & Electrohome (CKCO-TV Kitchener)had formed a “strategic alliance”. This would give Baton 42.9% of CTV Television Network Ltd. Electrohome’s share of CTV was 14.3%.

Over the years, Baton had bought CTV shares held by Moffat Communications in Winnipeg. 

Jennifer Martin was doing weather. Peter Ruttguizer was doing sports. Reporters – Pauline Chan, Tom Clark (national), Austin Delaney, Norm Fetterley, Mike Duffy (national), Pat Foran, Belinda Hansen, Tom Hayes, Tom Johnson, Alicia Kay, Leon Korbee, Jennifer Martin, Dan Miles, Kurt Muller, Karlene Nation, Bill Rodgers, Paul Rogers, Jan Sims, Ian Slack, Allison Vuchnich. Business – Garth Turner, Arthur Vaile. Notes – Lance Brown returned from CFRN-TV January 22. Lin Eleoff left. Hansen joined. Paul Rogers left for Global in the fall. Vaile retired August 30.

Bruce Cowie became executive VP and COO at Baton Broadcasting. He had been president of Electrohome Broadcast group, which had merged with Baton the previous fall. He took over from Ivan Fecan in overseeing day-to-day broadcasting, distribution and creation of TV content for BBS. George Lund was named senior VP for Ontario, a new position. He also remained president of Baton’s Mid-Canada group.

In February, CFTO cancelled “Eye on Toronto”, eliminating four jobs…host Robin Ward and three full-time production positions. Baton Broadcasting later cut 154 jobs as part of a restructuring of its Ontario operations. CFTO vice president of sports, Gerry Dobson, was let go in February. Paul Rogers left CFTO as news manager to become Global’s chief news editor – effective January 27. Beverly Thomson left CFTO as weekend co-anchor and general assignment reporter, to become the new early evening news anchor at Global. With the sale of CFPL-TV from Baton to CHUM, Derwyn Smith left the London station to return to CFTO-TV Toronto as news director. Christine Crosbie left in February and would wind up at Global Toronto.

On February 25, the Baton-Electrohome alliance announced a deal with CHUM Ltd., involving the swapping of some TV stations, to give Baton control of CTV. Baton would get CHUM’s 14.3% interest in CTV. Baton swapped CFPL-TV London, CKNX-TV Wingham, CHWI-TV Wheatley and CHRO-TV Pembroke/Ottawa for CHUM’s Atlantic Television Network (CJCH-TV Halifax, CJCB-TV Sydney, CKCW-TV Moncton/Charlottetown and CKLT-TV Saint John/ Fredericton). ATV was a CTV affiliate. Baton also got CHUM’s Atlantic Satellite Network. This gave Baton 57% of CTV. The next largest shareholder was Western International Communications with 28.6%. The CRTC approved this application and the one involving Baton and Electrohome on August 28. Both ownership changes went into effect a short time later.

Sharon Caddy was now doing weather. Claude Feig was doing sports. Garth Turner and Linda Sims did business reports. Reporters – Tom Clark (national), Bill Rodgers, Norman Fetterley, Leon Korbee, Pauline Chan, Pat Foran, Tom Hayes, Karlene Nation, Jan Sims, Belinda Hansen, Austin Delaney, Alicia Kay, Ian Caldwell. Mike Katrycz left CFTO to produce Chronicle, a nightly talk show on Prime TV.

On January 27, the Eaton family sold its 41% interest in Baton.

John White Hughes Bassett passed away on April 27. 

On-Air: Anchors – Tom Gibney, Pauline Chan, Ken Shaw, Christine Bentley, Kate Wheeler, Bill Hutchison, Tim Weber, Lane Fraser, Tom Hayes, Alicia Kay. Weather – Dave Devall, Tom Otto, Steve Jacobs, Sharon Caddy. Sports – Lance Brown, Joe Tilley, George Bryson, Claude Feig, John Bassett. Entertainment – Carla Collins, Anne Brodie. Reporters – Mike Duffy, Tom Clark, Teresa Roncon, Leon Korbee, Ian Caldwell, Andria Case, John Lancaster, Pat Foran, Paul Bliss, Karlene Nation, Austin Delaney, Jim Junkin, Angie Lau. Business – Linda Sims. 

After purchasing the CTV Television Network, Baton Broadcasting Inc. changed its name to CTV Inc. The name change was effective December 21.

Andria Case was doing entertainment reports. Reporters – Ken Shaw (national editor), Mike Duffy (politics), Pat Foran, Jennifer Martin, Leon Korbee, Karlene Nation, John Lancaster, Jim Junkin, Teresa Roncon, Alicia Kay, Austin Delaney, John Musselman. Business – Linda Sims, Mike Eppel.

In February, Bell Canada Enterprises through its subsidiary BCE Media, proposed to purchase CTV Inc. for $ 2.3 billion.

In June BCE submitted their brief to the CRTC with the largest “benefits package” ever presented to the regulative body. The benefits, money allocated over the proposed seven year licence term, were almost entirely to be spent on new Canadian programming. Ivan Fecan agreed to stay with the network under BCE ownership.

The CRTC hearing was held in September and the ownership application was approved on December 7th.

BCE entered into an agreement with The Woodbridge Company Limited and The Thomson Corporation (owners of The Globe and Mail newspaper). Bell Globemedia Inc. was formed by these companies. Bell Globemedia became the parent of CTV Inc. 

When BCE and Thomson closed on the deal that created Bell Globemedia, former CTV president/COO Ivan Fecan became president/CEO of the new company. Stepping into the CTV job was Trina McQueen (president/COO).

Kate Wheeler moved from CFTO to CTV NewsNet.

On-Air: Anchors – Tim Weber, Christine Bentley, Tom Gibney, Bill Hutchison, Pauline Chan, Tom Hayes, Kate Wheeler, Ken Shaw. Weather – Steve Jacobs, Dave Devall, Sharon Caddy. Sports – Lance Brown, Joe Tilley, George Bryson, Claude Feig. Business – Mike Eppel. Entertainment – Andria Case, Anne Brodie. Consumer – Pat Foran. Notes – On March 5 Wheeler moved to CTV’s cable news channel. Gibney became a semi-retiree April 6. He would still do fill-in anchor work.

On January 30, CFTO was granted a transitional digital television undertaking, operating from the CN Tower on channel 40VU with an effective radiated power of 17,400 watts.

CFTO began transmitting its digital signal on channel 40 from the CN Tower.  On October 3rd, CFTO was rebranded as CTV Toronto.

On July 21, the CRTC approved an application for ownership restructuring by Bell Globemedia (BGM), parent company of CTV, stemming from a deal in December 2005 that saw two new investors added to the company.  Thomson family’s Woodbridge Co. Ltd. increased its stake in BGM to 40 per cent from 31.5 per cent, while BCE Inc. reduced its holding to 20 per cent from 68.5 per cent.  Two other investors were added to the deal, including Torstar Corp. and Ontario Teachers Pension Plan, each with 20 per cent.

On December 14th, it was announced that effective January 2007, Bell Globemedia would be renamed CTVglobemedia Inc.

On April 27th the CRTC began hearings to consider CTVglobemedia’s applications for various OTA licence renewals, including CFTO-TV, along with similar applications from several other major broadcasting entities. During the hearing, CTVglobemedia reaffirmed its wish not to renew the Wingham, Wheatley/Windsor and Brandon stations, and its willingness to sell them for a dollar apiece.

On April 30th, in a full-page ad in the Globe and Mail, Shaw Communications CEO and Vice Chair Jim Shaw announced that Shaw was prepared to buy the three CTV stations at $1 each. On the opposite page in the Globe and Mail, in a half page ad, CTVglobemedia announced its acceptance of Shaw’s offer, and thanked the cable operator for ‘stepping up’. The proposed transaction would of course be subject to CRTC approval.

On May 15th, the CRTC announced a one-year licence renewal, effective September 1st 2009, for all of CTVglobemedia’s Over-The-Air stations, including CFTO-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.” 

Ian Caldwell returned to CTV Toronto as Managing Editor. He’d held that position for several years before leaving two years ago.

On June 18, the CRTC approved the application by CTVglobemedia Inc., on behalf of its subsidiary CTV Television Inc., to amend the broadcasting licence for the television programming undertaking CFTO-TV Toronto in order to add a digital transmitter at Toronto. The transmitter would operate from the CN Tower on channel 9 with an average effective radiated power (ERP) of 7,200 watts (maximum ERP of 10,800 watts with an effective height of antenna above average terrain of 467 metres).

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

Murray Chercover died at age 80. The former CTV President/CEO helped shape the network from its inception. He was also involved of the start-up of CFTO-TV. Chercover retired in 1990 but continued as a special consultant to CTV while also developing his own Chercover Communications. He was named to the CAB Broadcast Hall of Fame in 1994. 

Jim Junkin, after 41 years with CTV Toronto – and 25 years on the police beat – filed his last story in August. Junkin won several awards in the Greater Toronto Area and, in 2005, was presented with the RTNDA Lifetime Achievement Award.

Michelle Moy, formerly of CTV Toronto, was appointed Manager, Engineering at Rogers Sportsnet Toronto.

CFTO celebrated 50 years of broadcasting on December 31st and January 1st, having gone on the air at 10 pm on December 31st 1960.  CTV Toronto produced a group of videos to mark the occasion.*

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. 

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 CRTC noted that it did 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.

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. 

The CRTC approved the amendment to the licence for CFTO-TV to add a post-transition digital television broadcasting transmitter at Bobcaygeon, operating on channel 35 with a maximum effective radiated power of 38,000 watts (23,000 watts average). A directional antenna would be used at the existing site with effective height of 176.3 metres. Programming would be received by off-air pickup from CFTO-TV Toronto. 

On July 27, the CRTC renewed the licence for CFTO-DT and its transmitters CFTO-TV-21 Orillia (formerly CFTO-TV-1 Severn Falls) and CFTO-DT-54 Peterborough, until August 31, 2016. 

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.

The deadline for conversion from analog to digital in mandatory markets was August 31. CFTO-DT had been operating for some time on transitional digital channel 40. On August 31, the analog transmitter was shut down and CFTO-DT moved to the analog dial position of channel 9 (virtual 9.1). CFTO-TV-54, serving the Peterborough area, moved from analog channel 54 to digital channel 35 (virtual 54.1). 

Joel Walkden Aldred died October 12. He was CFTO’s first president under Aldred-Rogers Broadcasting. After nine years as director of broadcast engineering at Bell TV in Toronto, Wayne Scrivens resurrected his engineering consultancy. Tim Dinesen, VP of operations and technology, was no longer with the company after his position was eliminated. 

Veteran CTV Toronto reporter and anchor Tom Hayes, moved to Citytv Toronto. 

Allan Keith Taylor died at the age of 98. During the Second World War, he was with RCA Victor in Montreal, testing transmitters for the armed forces. At war’s end, he joined CJAD Montreal as chief engineer. He later moved to CKEY Toronto as chief engineer. In 1960, when CFTO-TV Toronto was launched, Taylor became a transmitter supervisor and was involved in the planning and installation of CFTO’s transmitter at the CN Tower. He retired in 1980.

Dorothy Elizabeth “Dodi” Robb died at age 91. Robb’s career in television began when CBC first aired in 1952. She went on to become head of both daytime and children’s programming. She wrote musicals for children’s theatre, created award-winning shows at CBC, TVO and CFTO, and continued to work as an on-air commentator for Vision TV after her retirement from CBC in 1985.

Elaine Ali, Senior VP, CTV Owned and Operated Stations – after 36 years in television – retired from CTV early in 2012. She began her career as an accounting clerk at CKND-TV Winnipeg. Later, she was President of the Women’s Television Network in Winnipeg and also served as VP/GM at CKY-TV Winnipeg. 

In January, Colin D’Mello became the new weekend co-anchor at CTV Toronto, reporting during both weekend days and then co-anchor with Andria Case. 

Glenn Cochrane died at age 84. He spent 22 years at CFTO-TV as a reporter, usually profiling the lighter side of the news and focusing on human interest stories.

CTV Toronto news anchor Christine Bentley celebrated 35 years of service with the station. She began at CFTO-TV in late 1977 after a short stint with CBC-TV Toronto. Before that, she was a reporter with CKVR-TV Barrie. 

After 35 years with CTV News Toronto, news Anchor Christine Bentley, 60, stepped down. Her last day on-air was September 14. Succeeding Bentley as co-anchor for CTV News at Noon and CTV News at Six on CTV Toronto was Michelle Dube. Until her promotion, she’d been a Reporter/Fill-in Anchor, and she would continue to file reports. Dube joined CTV Toronto in 2009, moving from CHCH News Hamilton.

Tom Johnson died at age 61 after 37 years at CFTO. He started out as a cameraman, then became a lineup editor, and finally, became the weekend producer for the 6:00 o’clock news.

Joe Mariash died at age 74. He anchored the evening news on CFTO-TV in the late ‘60s and early’ 70s.

Johnny Esaw died at age 87. The former CTV network executive and sports broadcaster started his 40-year broadcasting career in Regina and Winnipeg, and then Toronto. After a stint at CKRC Winnipeg, he moved to CFTO-TV Toronto in 1960 as sports director. Esaw became Vice President and executive producer of CTV Sports in 1974. He was a member of the Canadian Association of Broadcasters’ Hall of Fame

Leon Korbee died in March. Between 1983 and 2003 he was a reporter at CTV Toronto. After that, Korbee served as a senior communications advisor to Premiers Dalton McGuinty and Kathleen Wynne.

Bill Rodgers (William Kittelberg) died in August at the age of 64. The former CFTO reporter had also worked in radio, at CKSL London and CFRB Toronto.

In the summer, CTV Toronto and CP24 began airing CP24 Live @ 5 and CP24 Live @ 5:30. Both continued to air CTV News At Six (Toronto).

On November 20th, Bell Media confirmed a Unifor union report that among the around 50 cuts being made in on-air personalities at Bell television stations were CTV Toronto sportscasters Lance Brown and Joe Tilley.  In confirming the reported cuts, though without naming names, a Bell Media spokesman said: ” Like other Canadian broadcasters, we are confronting rapid change in the media marketplace, including new broadcast technologies and viewing options and fast-growing international competition. As the media marketplace evolves, local radio and TV stations are facing significant declines in advertising, their only source of revenue.  We need to reorganise and reduce costs to manage the impact.”

Ken Shaw was elected to the Canadian News Hall of Fame for 2018. Shaw started his broadcasting career at Baton Broadcasting in 1972, joined CTV Toronto as a reporter in 1979 and had been co-anchoring CTV News programs since 2001. 

Bob Gilchrist, 79, passed away on October 7. Gilchrist worked for several decades in television, starting at ABC in Australia, then CTV and CFTO Toronto, retiring as an ENG editor at CBC Toronto. He worked freelance in the 1980’s.

On November 6, Jeff Fry died at the age of 92. He joined the CBC Toronto newsroom in 1958 and in 1960 joined the new CFTO as a journalist. He later would move to CTV where he became the first producer of W5.

Alan Rutherfurd (76) passed away on November. 27. Rutherfurd was a mobile maintenance engineer for CFTO until the late 1970s. He went on to work in engineering at Global Toronto, which he retired from.

On April 29, as part of the digital repack, CFTO moved from digital channel 9 to channel 8 but retained the virtual channel 9.1.

After midnight on June 23, channel 21 Orillia was converted to digital.