RADIO/AUDIO/PODCAST:
Red Robinson, one of only two people to emcee shows for both the Beatles and Elvis Presley in North America, turns 80 this month. The City of Vancouver has proclaimed Mar. 30 as Red Robinson Day to mark the milestone. He continues his weekly Red Rock Diner show every Sunday on CISL 650 Vancouver. On his birthday, Robinson will broadcast a live four-hour special of tunes symbolizing the evolution of rock n’ roll music.
Z99 (CIZL-FM) Regina has raised $721,192 for the purchase of equipment for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the Regina General Hospital. Now in its 30th year, Z99’s annual radiothon has cumulatively raised close to $9-million.
CJAY 92 Calgary’s $1B Gofundme page to “get Calgary a new arena” launched last Tuesday and has raised a couple of thousand dollars so far. The station says anything raised under a billion will go toward the CJAY 92 Kids Fund.
Newcap Radio Alberta has launched a Gofundme campaign to raise money to build a memorial in the tiny community of Amisk that will honour five people killed in a two-vehicle crash last month near Hardisty. Four of the victims were from the same family.
George Orr, a former Vancouver broadcaster and BC Institute of Technology journalism instructor, has produced and directed a documentary on the rise and fall of talk radio in Vancouver. TALK! covers the format’s 50-year history in the Vancouver market, from Jack Webster and Pat Burns to Gary Bannerman and Rafe Mair. To see the one hour, 25 minute film, click HERE.
CKUA Alberta announcers David Ward and Hayley Muir are embarking on a 4,000 km province-wide road trip April 2–7 to mark the 20th anniversary of a five-week shutdown in 1997 that almost marked the broadcaster’s death. Back then, Albertans contributed $1 million to get the provincial network back on the air. The six-day, Touch The Transmitter tour will also feature concerts showcasing local talent.
CBC Radio Windsor’s afternoon show is about to be relocated to CBC London. The move coincides with the opening of the public broadcaster’s new station in London. Three of four jobs associated with the show will move to London while a reporter will remain in Windsor.
SiriusXM Canada will broadcast season-long coverage and play-by-play of all three Canadian MLS clubs, Toronto FC, Montreal Impact and Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
