Edmonton radio veteran Bruce Bowie has announced his retirement after 47 years in broadcasting. Bowie, who has been the morning show host at 630 CHED for the last nine years, will hang up his headphones on Aug. 30.
Bowie grew up on a cattle ranch in the tiny hamlet of Piapot, SK, and started his radio career in 1972 at CKSA Lloydminster. Opportunities in Lethbridge and at CHAB Moose Jaw followed, before Bowie arrived at CHED in 1974. He would host the station’s morning show for 12 years before leaving in 1986 for oldies startup KING FM (CKNG-FM) Edmonton in 1986. A two-year stint at CISS-FM Calgary followed before Bowie returned to Edmonton and CISN Country (CISN-FM). He remained at the helm of the CISN morning show for 21 years before being invited to return to CHED in 2010 and replace the retiring Gord Whitehead on mornings.
“Having spent the majority of my career in Edmonton, I am humbled and honoured to have been given the opportunity to connect with the amazing people of this city every morning,” said Bowie, in a release. “Thank you to all the loyal listeners who have made my years at CHED and CISN so memorable. It has been a privilege.”
“Bruce has been an integral part of our listener’s experience for decades and is a role model for future broadcasters,” said Syd Smith, program director, Corus Radio Edmonton. “His presence on our airwaves will certainly be missed and we wish him all the best in his next chapter.”
Among the awards Bowie has received for his work in the community over the years are the 2017 Goodwill Greatness Award, 2010 Canadian Country Music Award for Morning Show of the Year and the 2004 Strathcona Award for Volunteer of the Year.
One of Bowie’s passions has been helping the homeless. He was honoured in 2016 with the 2016 Community Enrichment Award for his work on the Salvation Army Advisory Board, which he’s sat on for more than a decade. On three occasions, Bowie also spent three days living on the street to raise funds for Hope Mission.
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