Gord Steinke has announced he’ll retire from Global News Edmonton at the end of the summer after 30 years with the station. The longtime co-anchor of Global News Hour at 6 and Global News at 5 will anchor his final newscast on Aug. 31.
Steinke started out as a touring musician, playing bass in several rock bands out of Saskatoon and Toronto, before pursuing journalism at the University of Regina. He began his broadcast career at CBC, heading stateside in 1989 to work at ABC affiliate, KSTP-TV, in Minneapolis. He joined ITV (now Global Edmonton) in 1992.
Whew what a day! Thanks very much for all your kind words. Much appreciated! I’ll still be enjoying working with our Global Team until August 31 pic.twitter.com/AAmQc7rA4s
— Gord Steinke (@GordSteinke) April 14, 2022
“It wasn’t an easy decision to leave such a great team at Global Edmonton,” said Steinke in a Corus Entertainment release. “After 30 years at the anchor desk, time has flown by. I have a lot of adventures on my bucket list that I am excited to explore and feel I better get moving while I can still get on my motorcycle. Thank you to the incredible viewers who have supported me for three decades.”
“Gord has been a leader in the newsroom and in the community for over three decades,” said Jim Haskins, Global Edmonton News Director/Station Manager. “He has seen it all and reported on it. We will greatly miss having Gord’s steady hand guiding us in the newsroom, but we wish him the best in his well-deserved retirement.”
During an appearance on Broadcast Dialogue – The Podcast in March, following the celebration of his 30-year anniversary in Edmonton, Steinke reflected on the current challenges for journalists, including navigating the unfriendly climate for media.
One of the most recognizable media personalities in the Alberta capital, Steinke has devoted his time to many charities over the years, including the Kids With Cancer Society. He was appointed an Honourary Lieutenant Colonel of the 15 Edmonton Field Ambulance (part of the 41st Canadian Brigade Group), and is a recipient of the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers from the Governor General. He was awarded an RTDNA Canada Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016.
Steinke is also a published author, penning 2004 prohibition anthology, Mobsters and Rumrunners of Canada: Crossing the Line.
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