Syd Smith, Director of Talk and Talent at Corus Radio Edmonton, has announced he’ll be retiring this fall after nearly a quarter century with 630 CHED.
Smith wraps up a 35-year career in radio, that started in his hometown of Kirkland Lake, ON. After working throughout Saskatchewan and Alberta, he joined 630 CHED in 1996 as the host of the station’s Edmonton Oilers’ broadcasts.
A daily sports talk show followed in 1997 and by the following year, Smith was doing double-duty as Assistant Program Director. He was named 630 CHED’s Program Director in 2005, adding management of Global News Radio 880 Edmonton to his role in 2008. He relinquished his on-air duties to focus on management full-time in 2012.
“Syd’s leadership, radio know-how, smile and trademark chuckle will be missed in the hallways and zoom calls. However his successes, including the teams he’s assembled, the people he has mentored, and the culture he has built at Corus Radio in Edmonton will continue to reflect the empathy, earnestness and trustworthiness that Syd is so well known for,” said Larry Gifford, National Director of Talk Radio, Corus Entertainment, in a release.
“It was always my dream to work in major market radio but I could never have imaged a career so varied and fulfilling,” added Smith. “Most of all, I’m thankful for all of the wonderful people I’ve met and had the good fortune of learning from and working alongside for so many years. And for the listeners who’ve been kind enough to tune in to the work we are all so proud of.”
Smith’s retirement is effective Oct. 31.
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