He started in radio at CHWC Regina, then continued with CKCK when the two stations merged in 1936. A public memorial service is being planned. They’d chatted recently. “You know how much he meant to me and my career,” DiMonte said, a catch in his voice. He had hosted the show at CJAD for 32 years.On December 8, CJAD became available in HD via sister station CITE-FM. A print ad promoted the fact that CJAC would soon be 10,000 watts.Hamilton Grant was news editor. Former 'Love Island' host Caroline Flack dead at 40 Max Ramsay and Jay Croft CNN Published Saturday, February 15, 2020 2:40PM EST Last Updated Saturday, February 15, 2020 7:12PM EST He influenced a generation of radio announcers – none more profoundly than Terry DiMonte, who followed the toughest act in town when he succeeded Balcan at CJAD. A new remote control system was installed for the CJAD transmitter. Standard Radio took ownership of CHOM-FM from CHUM Ltd. Former CJAD personality Dick Varney passed away at age 72 on April 16. Len MacDonald died. Noel Casler, a celebrity and comedian who used to work on the Apprentice, did a radio interview on CJAD with radio host Dave Kaufman and to say the interview was terrifying would be an understatement. ”And I’ve never filled my minimum at the bar,” Balcan added. Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion and encourage all readers to share their views on our articles. He had lost two of his closest radio buddies, Ted Blackman and Gord Sinclair, who are doubtless now making plans for the most heavenly of morning shows in the hereafter. Balcan considers himself a lucky guy. "Danny Dial" was the station's print ad mascott. ”I know how to finish radio,” he said yesterday. He didn’t want anyone to make a fuss. After retiring from radio, he not only took up the pastel sticks full time but also taught at Cummings House, associated with the Saidye Bronfman Centre. He replaced Joe Cannon who moved to swing. A week later, I ran into Matthew Cope, who worked down the hall from Balcan at CJAD’s FM sister station during the 1980s. In 18 year of writing about radio – and through about 70 ratings stories headlined ”Balcan No. Ted Blackman was named CJAD's program director. We apologize, but this video has failed to load. Before moving to journalism, he was a Liberal MP. The ice has long since melted. To do this, and to hold a No. The division director seeks advice from a 12-member council of judges and citizens, known as the Judicial Advisory Council (JAC). ”I’m a kid from Dauphin who wanted to work in Minneapolis and never thought he’d see the ocean,” Balcan recalls, with one his frequent chuckles. CJAD could be heard on the FM station’s HD2 channel. Friends offer testimonials. Announcers included Mac McCurdy, Rod Dewar, Mike Stephens, Gerry Bascombe and Bill Roberts (mornings). Balcan says he’s never had a bad day at the office, and his colleagues can’t remember any broadcasts in which a bummed-out Balcan went through the motions. I had to change my wardrobe. Melanie King left in June after 15 years with CJAD. Michael Kane, formerly with the CBC, was now an announcer at CJAD. CJAD's studios and offices were moved from the Legion Building to the second floor of the DeRice Building on the north-east corner of Mountain and St. Catherine's Streets. With the departure of VP programming/operations manager Bob Harris to Astral Radio Hamilton (in January 2010), the following appointments were made in Montreal by VP/GM Martin Spalding. In September, Standard Radio Ltd. concluded an agreement with J. Arthur Dupont for the purchase of CJAD Ltd., subject to BBG approval. Tim Parent, formerly of CJAD, moved within Astral to become News Director/ Assistant Brand Director at Newstalk 610 CKTB. McKenty's signature line, "the lines are blazing", became part of Montreal radio lore. Dupont was president and general manager of CJAD. Announcers included Bill Roberts, Jack Curran, Rod Dewar, Ted Murphy, Gene Kirby, Mike Stevens, Ned Conlon and Mac McCurdy. Other on-air people: John Eakes (Weekends), George Balcan (AM Drive), Lori Graham (Traffic), Ted Blackman (Sports Director), Peter Anthony Holder, Rick Leckner (Traffic), Gord Sinclair (News Director). Melissa Mancuso was named Virgin Radio 96 promotion director. A long way from a career in competitive curling. He was the quarterback of his morning show, handing off to Victor Nerenberg for news updates, throwing to Rick Leckner in the CJAD traffic helicopter, running the team and moving the sticks until it was 9 a.m. and time to sign off until tomorrow. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. CJAD sells while it plays! His ineptitude on the links is a consequence of neglect, rather than lack of ability. Kevin Holden joined to do traffic reports (Rick Leckner was still doing traffic too). The station now had two 50 kw transmitters and one 10 kw unit. That it sounds so easy is, of course, the hard part. Spend a day with Balcan on the town and watch how folks are drawn to him. Andrew Bell. He loves his work. Or he might listen to one of his jazz CDs. Some of those special moments even came on the golf course. He is a mensch, a regular guy. Peter Griffin returned to CHUM-FM. The licence was granted. Former University of Hawaii and Canadian Football League standout Chad Owens hosts the “The CO2 RUN DWN,” the Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s new Facebook Live sports talk show. Lyman Potts died December 9 at the age of 102. Balcan, who would have been 73 in June, ruled the local airwaves, primarily at CJAD, for 35 years before retiring six years ago to devote himself to painting. W. C. Thornton Cran was president of the company. The station graduated to a Bell JetRanger. Bar terraces around town are open, awash with sun and crammed with revelers. In 1960, he moved to Toronto and began his career with Standard. The popular CJAD Morning Man continues to be #1. in the competitive Montreal AM radio market. The CBC approved the transfer of 100 common shares in CJAD Ltd. A further transfer of 22 common shares in CJAD Ltd. was approved. Steve Kowch left CJAD to become operations manager at CFRB in Toronto. ”There is an audience in the morning that’s listening to the radio with their eight-year-old kid at the breakfast table, Balcan said. Kevin Holden (former traffic reporter & producer) and his wife Trudie Mason started hosting "Sunday Brunch" in January. George prefers instead to sing the praises of his friends and to push them to places he feels they can go. Jason Mayoff (News) returns from CIQC on September 2. Images of Nick in better days flash on the bar’s overhead TV. Blackman was the sportscaster who also filled in as program director for a time. And he fully intends to enjoy it. Al Cauley, one of English Montreal's best-known radio broadcasters (for almost 40 years), died at age 68. George Balcan, Gord Sinclair, and all of the others on CJAD’s … 43,395 people like this. He figured he could casually announce his retirement and life would continue. Tasha Anestopoulos became CJAD's promotions and community relations director. CJAD applied for an FM licence - 6,020 watts with 205' antenna height above average terrain. Todd Graham joined CJAD (from CHML Hamilton) as new continuity writer on the production staff. Mac McCurdy was promoted from program director to station manager. He figures that in three years of membership at the Hilldsdale golf club, he’s played 30 rounds. Lynn Desjardins left on February 9 for Radio Canada International. He was part of all our families. ”But he must put in four or five hours a day of show preparation, and he’s got years of experience. Mathew Wood was appointed CHOM 97-7 promotion director. George never gave up at anything. If, as is said, no man is a hero to his valet, perhaps the guy whispering cues into Balcan’s headset might be willing to take a rip at the radio legend. Plans were begun to apply to the BBG for an FM licence. ”I sometimes wish that I’d gone to the Manitoba College of Art when I was 20,” he said. Armour began his radio career in 1959 at CJQC Quebec City, then moved to CJSS in Cornwall. Balcan lives in Hampstead. Hockey expert Pierre McGuire was heard on CJAD. He actually tells many of us on his morning team that we are responsible for his success. Paul Reid continued to broadcast his nightly show, and by now his annual "Paul Reid's Christmas" program, in which he always read the story of the Littlest Angel, had become such a tradition that at Christmas 1974 it was released as an LP recording. Selfishly, this is what I’ll miss most when George hangs up his mike. And if I’m feeling a little bit bitter, I have excellent reason. And now by E-mail. Gord Hope was Chief Operator. This is a list of former on-air presenters from The Weather Network, (In alphabetical order) Personality. The alcohol might have been the culprit, but Reef rationalizes it might now be preserving what’s left of his liver. The imposition of the War Measures Act in 1970 put Dewar off the airwaves after he told his audience: "I went to bed in a democracy and awoke to find myself in a police state." Jacques Bolduc, GM, local sales in Montreal, would see his responsibility broaden by taking on management for Local Sales of AMRQ. ”I’m still learning how to finish painting.”. 1987, CKDA-AM Victoria 1994 (moved to FM), CFGP-AM Grande Prairie 1995 (moved to FM), CHDI … Or simply join an existing political party and make waves. Leslie Roberts (born June 28, 1962) is a Canadian television and radio personality, currently the host of CTV Morning Live in Ottawa. Auf der Maur’s funeral drew 2,800 to St. Patrick’s Basilica. Years On-air. No muss. On June 27, 2013, after a previous such application had been denied in 2012, the CRTC approved an application by Astral Media Inc. to sell its pay and specialty television channels, conventional television stations and radio stations to BCE Inc., including CJAD. ”He’s been dead weight around the station, and we thought he’d never leave. Luc Tremblay currently VP/GM of the stations and vice president, Operations of AMRQ, would now concentrate on the management of the Quebec operations and would return to the René-Lévesque offices as of November 2.Bob Harris currently vice-president, programming and operations manager of CJAD, Virgin 96 and CHOM would move to the post of vice-president and GM of Astral's Hamilton stations K-Lite, Talk 820 and Oldies 1150 in January 2010. And he has been fortunate enough to work at a radio station with high acceptance and strong brand recognition in the marketplace. Announcer Bill Crone left CJAD for Toronto's CKEY. Andrew Cartwright, a former news director at CJAD, was now with Valley Heritage Radio 98.7 Renfrew as morning host. CJAD increased power to 5,000 watts full-time, DA-1. Far more interested in sharing a find or in singing the praises of his friends than in talking about himself. News as it happens, accurate weather forecasting, expert sports reporting, mobile-transmitter coverage of special events - all these are confidently expected and continuously received by CJAD's listeners. Current hosts The previous logo of CJAD from 2007 - 2011 used until Aaron Rand returned to the station. CJAD 800 AM is shaking up its talk-radio lineup. After some 50 years in Montreal radio, newscaster Tom Armour retired. Yes, I’m more than a little biased when it comes to George. The idea came from another radio station, but it wouldn’t have happened if Balcan hadn’t bought into it. George Balcan died yesterday after a brief but valiant struggle with cancer. Jason Mayoff (news) left for CIQC.Standard Broadcasting felt the time had come, with annual subsidies to Standard Broadcast News in excess of one million dollars, to terminate service to other than its owned and operated stations. Kathy Coulombe died at age 56. Mac had served as a pilot instructor in the RCAF and took his discharge in Montreal where he found some work with the CBC (International Service) before joining CJAD. Dupont would continue as a director and consultant to CJAD. Ronald Adam Krochuk died at age 73. Listen to live radio! / CJAD is the most listened to station by English families in Greater Montreal with a BBM rating of 207,000 radio homes. And he was completely in control. Part is ”show prep” in his artist’s studio on St. Laurent Blvd. Hana Gartner started her journalism career at CJAD. The CBC approved the proposal. On News - Hamilton Grant and Al Cauley. Montrealers who start their day with Andrew Carter appreciate his affable and somewhat self-deprecating manner. On Tuesday, CJAD inducted long-time morning man George Balcan posthumously into its Hall of Fame, along with Gord Sinclair and Ted Blackman. He still lives for his rum and Coke, and he smokes like a fiend. In January, the Judicial Advisory Council (JAC) and Community Justice Assistance Division (CJAD) co-hosted the 2014 Sentencing Conference in San Antonio. And he gave back to the community, getting actively involved with Juvenile Diabetes and the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation. The last few years were particularly difficult for him. Now, he is leaving, in his own way, at a time of his choosing, by the front door. Steve Kowch was operations manager. It was the first time any of the city’s morning hosts had worked together, and there was an automatic sense of deference to Balcan to serve, as he modestly said, ”as the lead dog.”. Arthur Dupont was president of the company and Mac McCurdy was CJAD's manager. But it must be said that golf was one of the few things George never mastered – not for lack of trying. Rather, he wanted to let me know that an up-and-coming British blues singer Joss Stone, whom he had been raving about, was coming to town and that her disc was available here. Winokur reunited with Chen in 2018 when the former host competed and ultimately won the first U.S. season of Celebrity Big Brother. He then left again to work in Toronto and Ottawa, but returned to CJAD with "Starlight Concert" in 1990. His successor was Robert Fortier, the VP, Finance. He has done this by creating a comfort level, for himself and for the people around him. This course offered such perks as learning how to putt while balancing a teapot on his head, as well as video replays of his every shot. And Nick, who so embodied the image of the naughty, cosmopolitan Montreal that many of us still desperately cling to, is gone. Easter notwithstanding, Charest is even being labeled Jesus of Montreal in certain circles. CJAD co-hosts 2014 Sentencing Conference CJAD Director Carey Welebob, right, greets an audience of community criminal justice professionals attending the 2014 Sentencing Conference in San Antonio. He moved to Montreal in the early 1960s to work at CFCF Radio, and later CJAD. But on the first day of the rest of his life, Balcan will be sleeping in. Ya gotta believe, says Reef. ”I have tried,” he said, ”to give people 20 minutes of comfort that they could get going with in their day.”. On Day One, the announcing staff included Don Cameron, Hollis T. (Mac) McCurdy, who started in radio at CJIC Sault St. Marie and CKPC Brantford. Eight on-air personalities will be leaving their posts. A few years later 940 changed formats and ultimately went off the air. Virgin Radio’s own Kelly Alexander hosts tonight’s heated edition of the Next Gang of Four LIVE on CJAD at 8pm. He had been with the stations for some 20 years. Standard Radio Inc. was set up as a division of Standard Broadcasting Corp. to own and operate the company’s radio stations. Balcan will pinch-hit on the CJAD morning show during DiMonte’s vacations. This time, ice wasn’t the culprit. ”George has aways known what played and didn’t play. / When it comes to buying power...1 = 10. He showed up at the remote location in Place Ville Marie about five minutes to air time, with that haythatch of hair sticking out from beneath one of his many baseball caps. CJAD 800 received permission to increase power from 5,000 to 10,000 watts. Don Hartford died at age 95. MONTREAL -- CJAD 800 Radio is having a birthday -- it turned 75 on Tuesday. And in breakfast, George Balcan has owned the morning for 30 years. Hana Gartner left. On September 27, Astral Media Radio G.P. ”I wanted to break the news gently and give listeners some perspective,” Balcan says. CJAD made arrangements with CHUM-owned CKGM to use its transmitter and frequency temporarily. “After George, who’s left?”. The stinky French cigarettes, along with the Borsalinos and the Donald Duck ties, were once his trademark. The CBC approved the application. Tasha Anestopoulos became CJAD's promotions and community relations director. At war's end, he joined CJAD Montreal as chief engineer. Mark would also continue his afternoon drive shift and music director responsibilities. He had been a mainstay reporter with CJAD during the 70s and 80s, and served as a reporter/editor with Broadcast News at both Toronto and Montreal. He’l be missed – and he’ll be back. Phillips. Peter Anthony Holder joined for evenings/overnights. On December 7, Ken Soble's amateur show from CHML Hamilton, aired on CJAD, as well as on stations in Ottawa and Toronto. We encountered an issue signing you up. Another vodka, though, would be nice. He’s happy Balcan is leaving CJAD because Balcan is happy to be going. It was announced that Lisa Fuoco, CJAD's Promotions and Community Relations Director, would leave that position March 1 (2011).