Radio managed by remote control....

I proudly worked with the finest ownership groups in Canadian radio over 4 decades.

They were all great radio stations owned by great radio broadcast groups - plain and simple.

From 'day one' in my career these companies hired the very best General Managers in the business that they could find and/or 'develop' in their systems.

I learned 'everything' from these people - including my late Father who ran 630 CHED when it had a 55 share of listening in the Edmonton market in the 1970's.

Can you imagine that share today :)

A 'great' General Manager does many things to make a radio station highly successful.

He/She "manages by walking around" first and foremost.  Not just in the morning but throughout the day to touch everybody they possibly can regardless of shift or responsabilities.

He/She greeted people in the hallways - at their desks - at the coffee machine and asked about 'their families' - how'd junior do at his first hockey game? - how'd the daughter do in the dance competition? - how your folks health situation was - you know, the things that 'weigh' on somebody's minds while they're at the office doing their job or trying to inform/entertain an audience.

Find me a morning show - your highest paid employees generally - who doesn't enjoy knowing the GM drove in to the station actually 'listening' to their show - popping his/her head in to the control room to say "great show guys" or "thanks for showing up to the station event last night!"

My bro Ger has done mornings for 35 plus years in Toronto, Edmonton, and Calgary and I can assure you he still enjoys a pat on the back or a kick in the ass comment about his show.

OK maybe the kick part isn't accurate but I can tell you that he still loves to learn and adjusts his show to what Management wants to hear with positive input to his show.

A great GM 'manages' the community.

Attending those 'must attend' functions.  Giving back to 'key needs' in the local market.  Putting a face to a name.  Getting out of the corner office and 'learning' what the hot spots are in the city.  Donating time or cash or both to various important causes - like children's hospitals - somebodys wheelchair that was just stolen - chatting with parents, Doctors, Nurses, kids and grandparents that all need a little 'love' or support from their local radio station.

He/She worked on committees - like the United Way for example - where 35 or so 'business leaders' OR their extended family (spouses/kids) are part of important committees 'building' the city.

At those committee meetings 'more than once' I remember discussions by business leaders asking us which companies in town (locally or nationally owned)  'gave back' to the City of Edmonton in which they were receiving 'profits' from their business.

More than once when somebody said a certain non locally based company informed us that they were not going to contribute to the United Way this year - the call went out to us with the message  - 'and which of us are going to use THEIR services from now on?"

Sometimes those donations hit home hard - for example - The Bear once donated several 'heart monitors' to the neonatal section at the Royal Alec here in Edmonton.  At last count I believe THREE family members (or a friend/neighbor) had newborn children that used those monitors.

GM's 'meet and mingle' with leaders of industry. 

The General Manager attended NHL and CFL games - mingling with 'customers' in the concourse - listening to opinions about our various radio stations - our 'performers' - our 'newsrooms' - etc. etc. etc.

A General Manager works hand in hand with ownership centralized in another city to let them know what is "different" in this city and why a National roll out of a concept or idea just may need a little local 'tweaking' to make certain it worked in their own particular market.

And let me assure you Edmonton is different from Vancouver - from Calgary - from Toronto and from Halifax or Penticton.

Good companies listened and gave those General Managers the freedom to make those adjustments.

A Good General Manager 'fights' for his/her employees - his/her format - and his/her special needs in the budget so as not to simply take a carbon copy decision that is often made by an HR or Financial Department decision by these companies.

He/She is the cornerstone to everything that makes radio successful from a 'local' level.

He/She makes sure those 'little things don't become big things.'

The GM 'shows up' at events, remotes, and important functions.

He/She makes sure everybody is flying the station's flag - monitoring activities in each and every department.  Looking good in station clothing.  Showing up at a remote or event to see that the street team was engaging with the listeners and not just playing Words with Friends on their smart phone.

He/She keeps up to all 'trends' in the business - like Social Media - and stays 'active' with a learning curve in all new technologies to make sure that his/her radio station cluster remains competitive in an ever changing field.  

PS: "PLEASE" put a GM's full contact information on your website and send a bounce back message email that shows that the message was received and will be responded to by 'somebody' within 3 days like other businesses do.  

Social Media is the greatest free Focus Group you could ever have - and many stations often just put a recent broadcast school grad in the 'first point of contact' with the listeners without knowing what good or bad things these listeners are saying about their station or personnel unless it's something totally 'offensive' and they're looking for some guidance.

Most good GM's are actually 'on' Facebook or Twitter to see how it works and what their own employees are posting under their corporate banner.

Leadership is everything.

The Military got it right a thousand years ago making sure that the Five Star General leads - and that all thinking flows throughout the complete ranks from top to ground level.

Some of the best GM's I've worked with came from the 'content' side of the business - and with them totally in charge the Sales Department often knew they had a great product to sell.

They were also 'mentors' to up and coming Program Directors or Sales Managers who want to eventually make it to the corner office.

My entire dream about radio started as a 14 year old watching my Dad work.  I didn't want to just catch him - I wanted to beat him and it drove me until the day he died in 1981 when I changed my focus to making sure my 'daughters, wife, and family' were proud of my achievements in the radio business.

When I 'almost' retired from radio almost 7 years ago I sent a note - or an email - to every single former General Manager that I worked with during my career that I could find to send a personal 'thank you' to them for their sage guidance and advice that they provided to me during my time in radio.

I learned something from each and every one of them - sometimes what 'not' to do - but I simply would not have enjoyed the various successes I enjoyed in my career without them regardless of market size.

Most of the good stuff was actually learned 'in the minors.'

An empty GM's office speaks volumes.

For all the complaints and comments I've read over the past few years about what is "wrong" with radio I can safely say that about 99% of those problems could be fixed very quickly with a simple move by the corporate giants.......if they would just put "leadership back in the corner offices" and let these people run their radio stations with local knowledge and national support.

My favourite comment from friends/peers is "why do you still work so hard now Marty?"

I'm not working.

I still get invitations to all the best things in town - suites at football and hockey games; great seats at world class concerts (thanks record rep pals); conferences in the mountains, and great conventions and conferences around town.  

I do believe it's because I worked my ass off to make Edmonton a better place to live by utilizing the power of the radio stations that I was so blessed to run.

It's a whole new 'centralized media world!'

Look - I understand what has changed in the business - and yes it's easy to sit back and criticize the business now but very simply - having a radio station with an empty corner office has a 'huge' effect on how successful the business is for each and every employee, and owner.

No leadership - no results.

Or as another highly respected radio General Manager said to me last week...

..."maybe we're the dinosaurs?

God I hope not.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

About the blogger:   I was fortunate to have been in Management of radio stations for 38 of my 40 years in the business - Lethbridge, Calgary, Toronto, Vancouver and Edmonton.  Upon retirement in 2009 I was honored by being inducted in to the WAB Hall of Fame.  In 2012 I was bestowed with a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for community Service.  

Since retiring I have proudly been part of organizations who have raised over $22 million dollars for charities across Canada. 

Random Thoughts on a summer Sunday afternoon....

I've always loved Larry King.  

His 'it's my two cents' piece ran in USA TODAY for several years and now his Twitter account is where he distributes those 'random thoughts' that often are simply just great head scratching deep reaching comments.

I don't pretend to be in his league but happy to 'borrow' his style.

Here we go.

Surely Donald Trump is a Democratic 'plant' - and the longer he continues his insane rants the better chance he will offend every single person who casts a vote.

Result may be Hillary becomes the first US 'female' President.

I absolutely love the new 100MENYEG and 100WOMENYEG concept.  Corporations support the big causes well in Edmonton - but 'people' are helping smaller groups with $10,000 (plus) donations make a huge difference to these groups.

Thank you to the 100 Women who care who 'gifted' The Graves Disease Foundation of Edmonton a cool $14k recently.

Thank you to LIGHT THE BRIDGE who will also be highlighting GDF on July 28th by lighting up the High Level Bridge in pink and purple in honour of GDF.

What's happened to driving skills?

Tailgating with four car accidents is the norm.

Nobody does the speed limit anymore.  Police don't pull anybody over anymore either.  Nobody does 'stagger' entrances anymore and pretend they don't see you when you try to move into a line.

Cell phone/texting/distracted driving laws are obviously for 'somebody else.'

A real true friend whom I've known for over 35 years sent an absolutely wonderful email note to my daughter praising her 'courage' through Graves Disease the other day.  We seldom speak - we don't need to because actions are stronger than words - but that simple action made my day - week - and month.  That's why we're friends, forever.

Addiction is a terrible thing - especially for those who don't deal with it.  Many friends are 'struggling' with it - often losing their families, jobs and/or careers.

Get help!   You're only fooling one person!

The downtown Edmonton rebuild is grand on so many fronts.

Go see the ICE DISTRICT headquarters to see the complete package - Hotels, Theatres, Skating Rinks, Residential, Business.

World - Class!

BTW compliments to both the Edmonton Esks and Edmonton Oilers for their own particular 'rebuilds' too - it hasn't been this exciting in years.   #97.

What song 'instantly' stops you in your tracks the moment you hear it?  Regardless of era - Brook Benton's "Rainy Night in Georgia' is one of mine.

OK Andrea Bocelli's "Time to Say Goodbye" too.

Is there a sadder story than the Kristina Houston situation?

I was so fortunate to have met her mother in the mid 80's in Vancouver and this story touches deep with that simple introduction.

Thank you Ray Ramsey for finding this great picture.  

F__K Cancer my friends - and thank goodness for all the support that social media provides to these strong people.  It's nice knowing you don't fight this alone!

I 'heart' Europe.  Seeing how others live half way around the world is so eye opening.  I wish the 'complainers' over here got to see how truly lucky we are to live in our corner of the world.

Often what you complain about is simply 'meaningless' to what others have had to endure.

Travel is the best knowledge barometer possible.

Mixed feelings on the Canadian dollar.  Happy for our manufacturing sector.  Unhappy for my Snowbird friends.

If you don't have a retirement 'plan' you may be surprised when you get there.  And I don't mean financially.

I'm not getting OLDER - I'm 'maturing.'

Mentoring is everything - both ways.  Happy to teach.  Happy to learn.

Paying forward. Giving back.  Whatever you want to call it doing 'public service' brings me great joy.  There's nothing finer than working with the people in the Edmonton Singing Christmas Tree - and this year working with Cam Tait and the Edmonton Sun annual Christmas Auction is already a blast.

Best book I read this year?

This one.

The superstar is sitting.


Speaking of joy.  Lauren Forbes.  Rayanne Forbes.

I am so extremely proud of what my daughters have become in life.


Kind.  Thoughtful.  Considerate.  Fun.  Loving. Smart.  Both are so different - but both are so much the same.  I only wish Grandpa Forbes was around to spend time with my fabulous family.

PS:  My wife is pretty cool too.  We're heading for our 30th Anniversary next February and I would not have enjoyed 'any' of my success as a Father or a Media guy without Kim.




That's  the stuff that rambles around in my skull these days.

With apologies to Larry King once more - "it's my two cents!"

Love to hear yours.

Cheers

Marty

"F _ _ K Cancer!"

I have several friends and associates currently fighting cancer - and like many of us - have lost family and lifetime pals to this horrid disease in the past.

Some friends fight the disease in public and get great support from family and peers while others like to quietly fight cancer while under treatment.

Each is obviously a highly personal decision - and I respect each and every friend who is (or has) faced this condition.

My personal best wishes as you each "F_ _ K Cancer!"

This past month I was offered the opportunity to review a book by a dynamic young lady in the United States by the name of Nicole Dorman who has been through a very tough time with cancer herself.

Nicole wrote a book that very thoroughly chronicled her personal situation - and the title says it all.

(Review)

"I Fought Like a Girl and I Won"  

'A poignant story handled with class and dignity.  Nicole Dorman "I Fought Like a Girl and Won" has lessons for all of us.  

Women for the struggle to fight breast cancer.  

Men to understand the overwhelming effect of the horrible disease.

Nicole not only served her country proudly - but also is raising three children as a single Mother.  Not once in the book is the word 'pity' used - because she fights Breast cancer 'head on' - and wins.

Most helpful is a glossary of the many (insensitive) terms that the medical industry uses to describe the disease and the effects.

A short impactful read.  Best wishes Nicole.'

This book may be helpful for anybody going through the disease currently - or for family and friends who need a full understanding of the many decisions you have to make during the medical process.

I highly recommend it.

You will find "I Fought Like a Girl and I Won" via Amazon.com:

http://www.amazon.com/Fought-Like-Girl-Won/dp/1503551490

Thanks for sharing your story Nicole - and best wishes for a 'wonderful' life with your family.

Sincerely.

Marty

"Salute to CHQT Radio in Edmonton on the 50th anniversary of the station and a great biography and time-line! - 2015!"

    

 Presented by Craig Roskin to the Edmonton Broadcasters Club!

(April 2015)

Craig Roskin son of the late 'Uncle Lou' Roskin

A thank you off the top to the Executive for the invitation to speak this morning on a topic obviously near and dear to my and my family hearts, and the hearts of the Dyck family

CHQT was born 50 years ago this year, the brainchild of two relatively-young broadcast veterans at the time, Murray David Dyck and my father, Lewis Ross Roskin, better known as 'Uncle Lew'.

http://edmontonbroadcasters.com/ebc/members/roskin-lew/

Now I should point-out right away that Murray, as many of you know, also had a nickname.  His

nickname was.................wait for it......CURLY.................yes, 'Curly' Dyck!

When I spoke recently with Murray's son, Roger—who is soon to return from Arizona and regrettably couldn't attend today—I asked Roger how his dad's nickname originated and he explained that from the time his dad was in high school, he had a head of thick, very wavy black hair.

When I said, “Oh, that's how he got his nickname!”, Roger then said, “No, actually it's because Dad

had a curly dick.”   [ok, I admit..............the first part of that is true, the second part isn't.)

AND NOW, THE REST OF THE STORY..................for those of you who remember that popular radio series with Paul Harvey.

CHQT staff members from the past 50 years!

I'd first like to give you a bit of Murray's and Dad's early broadcast history............

Murray started his broadcast career in the 1930s at CFQC, Saskatoon, and like most wanna-be

broadcasters at the time, worked his way up from transmitter operator, to copywriter, to late nite, on-

location, and weekend announcer, to that lowest job on the totem pole, SALES.   kiddingKIDDING

After his stint with the Air Force during WW II, Murray returned to Saskatoon as Assistant GM and

General Sales Manager at CKOM. He later came to CHED, Edmonton, as GM, in 1955. 

Dad's career followed a similar if not more circuitous route, having first won an 'Amateur Radio

Broadcast Announcing' contest in 1937 sponsored by CJOC, Lethbridge. He was 17 years old, beat out 149 other contestants,
and won the princely sum of $15, and, more importantly was offered a job.

He, too, was a general-duty announcer at CJOC, and later a sports announcer, working with the

famous Henry Viney.

In 1946, after military service, Dad moved to Winnipeg to accept a position as Program Director

with new station CJOB, then in 1947 first came to Edmonton as Special Events Director with CFRN,

then moved on to become General Manager of CJDC, Dawson Creek.....my hometown, by the way!

He later held the GM position at CFCN in Calgary, then a second posting to Edmonton in 1956 as GSM CHED, and finally out to the West Coast as GM with CKLG, Vancouver.

Well now that we have a bit of early background about the founders, just how—and why---did

these two broadcasters decide to start CHQT?   

The genesis of this new radio station and its new music format was multifaceted.

Murray and Dad's lives first intersected when they worked together at CHED for about 6 years,from the  mid to late '50s. Again.......at that time, Murray was GM and Dad GSM.

Fast forward to 1964 with Murray still GM at CHED and Dad GM at CKLG, Vancouver, both Moffat-owned stations at the time.

Sadly, the patriarch of Moffat Broadcasting, Lloyd Moffat, died in Hawaii while vacationing with my parents.

After Lloyd's death, the new regime, with Lloyd's son now at the helm, wanted to make changes 'at the top'.  Now it's most important to note that both Murray and Dad were very displeased with the new direction the company was taking, and they talked of their displeasure on many occasions.

The tipping point arrived when they made an almost 'blood-brother' agreement to comprehensively investigate the potential of a new station in Edmonton.

While both were still employed with Moffat, they agreed to meet half-way between Edmonton and Vancouver, ultimately deciding on Glacier National Park on the Roger's Pass Highway. There on August 4^th, 1964, in the small confines of a camping trailer of all places, the CHQT concept---that of an alternative, quality music station for Edmonton--- was born!

The timing could not have been much better,as Dad was advised very shortly after that fateful mountain meeting that the new management wanted him to transfer to Winnipeg. 

He was not particularly ‘tickled' with the idea of moving---notwithstanding he and Murray had already reached the 'point of no return'---and, quite frankly, my Mother was even less enthralled. (as an aside, it occurred to me that this situation may have also been the birth of the expression, 'Happy wife, Happy life'!)

Suffice to say that the transfer-request---and shall we call it my parents' 'hesitation'--led to some rather---let's call it--'interesting' office politics at Moffat, culminating with Dad being summarily fired.  (geez, must run in the family)

Memories from CHQT days!

So, what next?

In the cold light of day, and with the realization that they must now translate their

dreams into reality, the search for investment funds was on! Almost simultaneously,
our heroes spoke the name of Dr. Charles Allard who was apparently eager to expand his investment portfolio, and, more importantly, had a sterling reputation.

The meeting was arranged,  with Dad joining Murray in Edmonton, in preparation for their pitch to Dr. Allard and his business partner, Zane Feldman of Crosstown Motors fame.

The presentation proved successful and a partnership was formed with Allard's Paris Investments, with Paris owning controlling interest. Plans were then made for executing the next steps.

It was decided that Dad would be the point man on the CRTC application---and a paid employee of the new entity-while Murray would remain at CHED until the new station was no longer a covert operation.

To this day, I can remember Dad bringing some of his work home, and toiling into the night for many, many nights, working on budgets, and schematics, and perusing the engineers' technical coverage maps---and I'm sure Murray was doing exactly the same.

After hundreds of hours of preparation and consulting, the application was presented to the CRTC.

The long wait thereafter was painful, but ultimately worth it as CHQT was granted a licence for a new AM station in Edmonton.

Approval was contingent, however, on the station honouring its promise of in-depth news, good quality music and limited commercials. It was proposed to operate on 1,  110kHz---or 1110 on the dial---with a power of 10,000 watts.

THEN the hardest part began---taking all the plans, and ideas, and budgets, and human resource

requirements---and all the promises---and actually creating and building a successful radio station.

Well, it happened!

CHQT was launched on Thursday, August 19^th, 1965, from its first studios on Jasper Avenue and

112^th Street, with a staff of 13, to become the seventh radio station in the Edmonton market.

It became known as the Quality Radio Station or the Good Music Station.

The music format was described as 'Easy Listening', from 'Middle of the Road' selections, to old standards, show tunes, film scores, jazz, and light-classical, classical and even opera.

Even the commercials were 'screened' to ensure compatibility with their music concept.

The station also introduced a second new concept to the listening area, by broadcasting music in 10

minute blocks without commercial breaks, and deliberately limiting the the number of

commercial messages allowed by Government---essentially an FM concept on AM Radio.

Station policy was for the announcers to be 'low-key' and not simply talking to fill dead air, but saying something meaningful in the shortest time possible. At the outset, announcers were not even allowed to use their names on air,  in deliberate contrast to the personality-hype offered by other stations.

More momentos from CHQT!

My how things changed!

When the popularity and the 'personality' of the station grew so quickly, the popularity of the on-air personalities also grew quickly, thus creating the need to promote the talent.

Murray and Dad also believed passionately in a strong and committed news presence as an integral part of the station's philosophy, including nine 10-minute newscasts per day. The early years also saw a strong commitment to community involvement.

Now we often hear speakers at a podium say, “I shouldn't start to name names for fear of forgetting

someone” so I probably shouldn't either--so apologies in advance--however, for nostalgia-sake, some

of the earliest on-air talent included:

 IRV SHORE, JOHNNY BOHONOS, JOHN SCRIMSHAW,
GARRY GAUDET, ROGER CHAREST, JULES ROSS, ED KOLMAS, JOE EVANS, BOB

BRADBURN, LORNE KING, BOBBY NG, GORDON ROSS, DON ANDREWS, LARRY ROSS, STU MELBY, MURRAY BLAKELY, ARLINE DEE, DAVE ROZAK, RON DYCK, and of course, ED MASON.

And I'd be remiss if I didn't mention a 'personality' of a different kind, and that's Frank Makepeace, Chief Eng, who helped build QT's technical infrastructure, with Bob Hunter taking over in later yrs

I thought it appropriate at this time to provide a brief chronology of CHQT—the operative word being 'brief'...............post-1965 :  I think you'll agree that it truly is an interesting history.

In 1970 having worked in rather cramped quarters on 112^th street for 5 years, the studios and offices moved to a location on 103^rd street, just North of Jasper, where they stayed for almost 17 years.

1972 brought dark clouds to Dr. Allard's financial empire.

A troubled commercial airline operation and an American-based petrochemical business, both struggled to survive. In need of cash, Dr. Allard was forced to sell one of his seemingly untouchable assets, CHQT Radio, which he had owned for 7 years.

I clearly remember how shocked Dad was to hear the news that his and Murray's 'baby' would be sold. Both were convinced that the station was many years away from reaching its peak revenue-generating years—and they were ultimately proved correct—however, the cash was needed immediately, and the station was sold to Mr. Scotty Shoults who was based in Victoria, and owned QT for 18years thereafter Dad remained with the station as General Manager for those 18 years until two sales later in 1993.

In 1976 the CRTC granted permission to increase QT's power to 50,000 watts,which took effect in 1979.

1979 saw CHQT's application for a 64,000 watt FM station in Edmonton turned down by the CRTC

1982 was called the year of the 'Big Move', as QT moved just next door to the 22^nd floor of the LePage Tower and I'm told it was a rather exciting first morning on air. Apparently, about an hour after sign-on the newsroom control board exploded and caught fire as News Director, Ed Mason, was reading the 8 a.m. news. The station was quiet for a couple of minutes, until arrangements were quickly made to share the main studio 'musical-chairs-style', with morning host, Bob Bradburn.

1985 brought approval for CHQT to move from 1110 kHz to 880 kHz, and would remain at 50,000 watts with an 'adjusted' radiation pattern....just threw that technical part in for Bob Hunter and any other engineering-types

1987 marked a rather special event, that being Dad's 50^th year in the broadcast industry.

In 1990, the CRTC approved the sale of Shoults' CHQT to Bill Yuill's Monarch Broadcasting, with Dad staying on as Vice President, Corporate Affairs.

Ah, 1993 The station was sold yet again, this time from Monarch to Shaw Radio. QT then moved into new digs with its new sister-station, CISN-FM.

It seemed Dad's incredible 'run' of some 53 years was now over......................or was it?

He decided that full-retirement was certainly not for him, so he started his own broadcasting consulting company, aptly named ROSKIN COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

The legacy continued...........

And just a heads-up that you'll need a program for these last few entries............

1999 saw Corus Entertainment formed from the media assets of Shaw Communications.

2001 saw AM 880 CHQT change formats from 'Familiar Favourites' to 'COOL 880' 'Good Times & Great Oldies.'

2003 saw COOL 880 become JOE-FM, playing hits from the 60s, 70s and 80s.

2004 QT returned to Oldies,COOL 880, while the JOE format moved to sister-station CKNGFM

OKAY,  HOLD ON.............JUST ONE MORE, and it's a big one!

2008 On May 8^th,  live programming ended on COOL 880 to allow for studio renovations and rehearsals  for the All News format.

The Oldies format stopped on May 20^th, when iNEWS 880 debuted with news, weather, sports, business & market updates, traffic reports every 10 minutes, and local Internet blogs every half-hour.

As a result of that unique format change some seven year's ago, it's my understanding that iNEWS880 is today the Number One station in Edmonton...among the ALL NEWS formatted stations, that is!!

Well, radio stations may live forever, but not so radio broadcasters.....

Murray Dyck, born November 12^th, 1916, passed away on April 29^th, 2002, age 85
'Uncle Lew', born in Moose Jaw, on July 16^th, 1920, died on Boxing Day, 2009, age 89

AND NOW, the words that most audiences look forward to hearing---altho I'm sure not this audience—the words, “And in closing...”

Just a couple of friendly tips for you broadcast writers and on-air types. 'Uncle Lew' is looking down and making notes of any grammatical errors, including, but not exclusive to, the following three examples [many of you former QTers will relate to these as I'm sure you've heard them before!]

1.  the word “none”, shortened over the centuries from the word “noone”, is singular, as in “None was hurt.”......not, “None were hurt.”

2. it is acceptable to write or say, “At this point...”, however, unacceptable to use, “At this point in time.”

3. and from a weather perspective, it's okay to write or say, “It's currently 10 degrees and raining.”, however, not okay to write or say, “It's 10 degrees and raining outside.” (where else would it be raining?)

4. BTW, I have a list with two or three dozen more of Dad's 'don'ts', so if interested, pls see me after the program.

Ladies and gentlemen, former and current QT'ers, a sincere thank you for your valuable time in allowing me to provide not only a general overview of CHQT's wonderful history, but to touch upon personal perspectives as well.  

LONG LIVE CHQT!

Editors Note:  

Craig Roskin and I have been friends since our Fathers both worked at (then) 1080 (now) 630 CHED in the mid 1950's.  Lew Roskins move to CHQT opened the door for my late Father Jerry Forbes to move into the General Managers chair at CHED.  

Both remained friends for life - as have Craig and I.

This was a wonderful gathering to mark a very special anniversary and it was such a pleasure to watch old friends get together to 'remember' some glorious times.  Bill Bagshaw offered up a wonderful reminder of some of the things that CHQT launched that many may have forgotten - like the CHQT "QT's" which eventually ended up being the Edmonton Eskimos Cheer Team - and of course the legendary CHQT Fire TRUCK that patrolled the sidelines at Esks games for many years.

Sincere thanks to the Edmonton Broadcasters Association for hosting the lunch and for providing pictures for this blog.  

Thank you - Jim, Al, and Jon.

Marty

Saluting The Spin Doctor!

        

When Daryl Hooke started at 630 CHED they had an amazing 55 share of tuning in the market - and a cume that was bigger than the population of the City of Edmonton.  

You had to be really good to get hired there - and you had to be even better just to STAY there.    

Daryl stayed for 41 years...

Daryl Hooke, Keith James Jr, Troy Bowler.

We have known each other for over 4 decades, through our association in radio as Dad hired Daryl early in the 1970's at 630 CHED when the station was owned by Moffat Broadcasting.

I remember first meeting him at the station when he wrote commercials with the late Gary Draeger.   I was in Calgary at CKXL at the time and one of our fun corporate events was the annual Moffat Baseball Game which was held in Red Deer, the 'half way' point between the two stations.

Many hijinks were held during the game, including painting several grapefruits to look exactly like a softball - c/w laces - which would then be served up to an unsuspecting victim who would be covered from head to two with grapefruit remnants after trying to smash it out of the park.

But the fun part was each station 'stealing' the Baseball Trophy - which was a giant "THROG" - best described as a less than flattering looking very fat and ugly stuffed Frog.

One year the now deceased Wayne Bryant and I flew up in a Cessna during the middle of the night to 'steal' the Trophy from the CHED building after the buggers stole it first from our station bus.

While we were there we erased the CART board (which was sacrilegious back then) and stole a bunch of things from Daryl and Gary's desks - including their shoes.

Fun is Daryl's middle name.

He makes you smile each and every time you chat with him with his dry but very quick wit.

His office looks like it was designed by the SPCA - and filled with toys for the many dogs that have blessed that office over the many years.  The walls are filled with jokes, drawings, and other neat stuff.

Daryl enjoys life and makes each and every person he runs in to at the radio station feel special - and 'equal' - whether you were there as a wide eyed rookie on Day one of your career - the receptionist -  or one of the many 'suits' that work in the various corner offices.

Through the more than four decades in the building Daryl Hooke held many different roles - including program director; social media guru; he hosts Talk to the Experts; does a damn good remote; and is one of the most versatile voice talents in the business.

In other words 'he did it all' - but that's only half the story.

Former Moffat employee Al Anderson explains:

"What a flashback: Canada's best copy and production team of that era ...Gayle Helfrick...Daryl...Gary Dreger..Gordie Forbes...Barry Allen... And of course the humble but great Al Anderson.  Of all the positions I have held in my radio career being Production Manager with such a talented team was the most rewarding of all. I hope you all still have a good enough memory to recall some of the great humour commercials we did..the great straight sell....and the ability that was there to take a script off the paper and make it sound so great.  Those really were " the good times"....with a great bunch of " CHED Good Guys and Gals".

Daryl has had several roles in Santas Anonymous - and very simply without his huge heart; dedication; and 'love' for the program Santas simply wouldn't be the giant community impact program that it is in this era.

Thirty below zero days - directing traffic like an Edmonton Police Service representative - calling in to do reports on the air - wrapping gifts - meeting dignitaries - playing with the kids - you name it, Daryl has done it all and done it with a huge big heart for the community and the charity.

As well you would always run into Daryl at the Edmonton Motorcycle Toy Run annual bike ride for Santas Anonymous held each September.  The weather dictates how many participate each year but often it's not uncommon to see over 2,000 to 3,000 bikes of all sizes in the Capilano Parking lot getting ready to be  set aside for the December campaign.

Grannies on Mopeds - Hells Angels on Harleys - this is one of the 'signature' events that officially kicks off the Santas Anonymous season, and Daryl Hooke is there chatting with one and all year after year - as did his former co-worked the wonderful late Gary Draeger.

http://edmontonmotorcycletoyrun.info

One thing I'm very happy about over the past few years is the invention of Twitter - because it  now keeps Daryl busy for 23 out of the 24 hours each day coming up with witty comments or just displaying his thoughts on life often with beautiful pictures of his family - who he takes great joy in talking about, or making supreme fun of, both rightfully so.

The Spin Doctor makes me laugh - long and often.

He has a wonderful blog too which can be found at:  http://darylhooke-thespindoctor.blogspot.ca

There are two things that I will never ever forget in regards to my good friend and both are tremendously important to me.

#1.  The 'signature' picture of my late Father Jerry Forbes was taken by Daryl Hooke.  For those who knew my Dad 'this' is the exact way many would remember him - simply iconic.

Jerry Forbes - GM 630 CHED til June, 1981

#2.  - Every time I would visit Daryl at 630 CHED I'd look over to the cabinet in the corner of his office and there after nearly four decades sits an Edmonton Journal article titled "The Rock of Edmonton" chronicling the hijinks of this dynamic radio station in it's absolute prime - and there sitting on a giant rock that was placed in front of the old station building on 107th street was - yup - a picture of Dad.

I have endless respect for Daryl Hooke - both as a magnificent broadcaster - but more so as what truly can be described as his daily demeanour - a "gentle" man!

He's a great Husband, Father, and now very proudly a Grandparent.

Enjoy the next phase of your life Daryl - being a Grandfather looks so very good on you.

And 'thank you for being my friend.'