Puget Sound Radio Presents... Edmonton's 'PSR Media Mob Day'!
(Photo: Courtesy of Con Boland)
It's well chronicled that Edmonton is recognized as one of the best radio and tv markets in the country - and the only time we ever get together is at funerals or simply bumping in to each other around town...so...Puget Sound Radio is declaring Wed, August 15th at 2 pm "Media Mob Day" and we invite any radio and television people with significant media backgrounds in Edmonton to join us for a simple gathering and fun session.
If you have history in Edmonton in either radio or tv (or both) come on by and say hi to some pals you may not have chatted with in some time. If you currently work in the biz - formerly worked in the biz - retired or semi retired, we think you might enjoy catching up with some former colleagues at the PSR Media Mob.
Once we get enough response we will select - confirm - and announce the exact time and location - likely around 2pm til - who knows! Also, please contact those who may not be on the internet or who no longer live in Alberta's capital city, let them know so they'll be able to include the date in their summer vacation plans.
No agenda. No speakers. No Politics. You're on your own nickel - and 'bring a camera' because we're pretty sure there'll be some memorable moments.
If you DON'T have a long history in the business - or a recent arrival - and want to meet some of the legends in the business you're welcome to attend as well and maybe pick up some valuable tips from people who have 'been there/done that' or possibly even meet a mentor.
Marty Forbes will be covering the radio side of things, while Craig Roskin will handle television.
Just let either gent know you're coming so that we know the approximate size of a room to book.
This has been done in several other markets across North America and friendships have either been made or reaffirmed by the participants.
a 17 year old Mike Grant in B Control at the old Birks Building where CJCA 930 was once located (1964'ish)
We heard from our good friend Mike Grant, who now lives in Kamloops with his lovely wife Merle. Mike was once the Production Manager for the old Giant CJCA 930AM in Edmonton. He said, after reviewing the list of confirmed attendees, "There's a couple of names in there I haven't heard for a while."
Him and Merle were in Edmonton about three weeks ago with family and they're coming down here, to Kamloops the last week in August, so won't be going back up for a while. They usually try to return to the city a couple of times a year.
He added, "It sounds like a good time though and say "Hi" to Gord Satermo for me. We only briefly worked together and I can't even put a date to it."
Barry Hawkins in Control Room A at CJCA Edmonton in the 70's
We sent an invite to long time CJCAer Barry Hawkins and his wife Brigit, (who now live in Nova Scotia), about our PSR Media Mob Day and got this reply...
CJCA GM Terry Strain & Brigit
"Brigit and I celebrated our 32nd anniversary this week. It seems like yesterday that we had most of CJCA on the rooftop deck at Crescent Place sharing our wedding. So many are gone now. Thanks for hooking me up with Mike Grant. We've corresponded and shared some memories. About this Aug 15th thing...thanks for the heads up but I'll have to take a pass. Too much happening at this end of the country and too late to try and change things."
Just a note, Barry asked recently about former CHQT radioman John Woodbridge, if anyone knows whatever happened to him? Please let us know.
"As for our mystery man...it's feeling like an episode from the Fugitive...without the murder. Anything you might discover about John Woodbridge would be most appreciated from several quarters. I'm thinking he's long gone but you never know."
Barry also sends his regards.
Barry got his start in the business as an on air jock in Peace River at CKYL, then moved to Grande Prairie where he did morning drive at CFGP. He joined Edmonton's CJCA in 1968 as on air personality, then held various management positions, (one as manager of CJCA-FM), through until 1982. He also played the part of the "The Professor" on the Bill and Bill open line talk show. In 1982, Barry turned to the bright lights of television at CITV as a producer and director of his own show. Local Politics knocked on the door in the early 90's, when he was elected a councillor for Parkland County. He also had his hands in journalism, having won the prestigious Cadogan Award for Outstanding Weekly Newspaper Columnist in all of Canada in the early 90's. Barry and his lovely wife Brigit retired to Nova Scotia in 2003 where they reside in the Annapolis Valley. .
Thanks to Keith 'KJ" James for this 630 CHED memory maker....
If you're planning on joining us at our PSR Media Mob Day NEXT Wednesday afternoon at Shanks, no doubt you'll find a few of these disc jockey's in attendence, minus the long locks, and hopefully minus the pants....
So far, Keith James, Rob Christie and Len Theusen will be joining us...
Edmonton's "PSR MEDIA MOB DAY" took place on Wednesday August 15th, 2012
CONFIRMED 2pm - Schanks Sports Lounge (in the West End) 9927 - 178 Street, Edmonton, AB.
RSVP's included: Gord Whitehead, Pat Cardinal, Marilyn Jones, Charlee Redmond, Kris Burkholder, Keith James, Don Kay, Garner Andrews, Jane Morrisey, Gord Satermo, Mel Haryish, Gail Helfrick, Murray Blackley, Robert Corness, Tamara Konrad, Rob Christie, Ron Clark, Terry Balaban, James “Gruff” Gushnowski, Jackie Rae Greening, Paul Preston, Len Theusen, Gary James, Gary McCooeye, Susan Reide, Kelly Walter, John Yerxa, Stan Ravendahl, Steve Moore, Jean Campbell, Kerry Campbell . - .
TV confirmed included: Al Girard, Bill Uren, Chris Durham, Eric Upton, Fil Fraser, Garrett Blackwell, JoAnne Fisher Cassidy, Leslie McDonald, Sarah Taylor, Bruce Hogle, Art Eden, Gord Steinke, Paul Ackerman, Rob Hislop, Alan Mabee, Leslie McMillan, Sandra Tait, Barbara North, Gail Yackemchuk, .
*some of these folks did both TV and RADIO in their careers*
And a good time was had by all. It truly was a pleasure putting together this little gathering with Craig Roskin and Michael Easton. The room was filled with fun chats; great memories; and some valuable long overdue catch up time with media pals. Edmonton truly has been blessed with some amazing talent over these years and it was nice to meet some of the 'newer' guys in town - like Garner Andrews -too.
Are we doing it again was the #1 question - and the answer is likely YES - but all feedback is welcome.
We're sorry that some folks were either on holidays OR working so we will attempt to vary the times so that everybody can enjoy a PSR Media Mob in the future.
Sincere thanks to Rob Hislop Photography too - pics to follow -
Great pics! Seeing so many of you that I haven't had a chance to catch up with for years makes me wish I was there even more. Would love to know well in advance of the next one to ensure I can be there! Hi to all of you!
What a Great Day it was last Wednesday August 15th at Shanks Sports Bar in Edmonton's West End. The first "PSR Media Mob Day"
Firstly, I'd like to thank Marty Forbes for asking me about three months ago if I'd like to have PSR take part in the city's first of many Edmonton radio and television reunion days.
I also thank Marty, who not only looked after organizing the radio vets, but Craig Roskin who reached out to Edmonton's television community, as well as both supplying the the tasty hors d'oeuvres, or as we used to call them the "Hordy Hoarves" (Google it):)
It was delight to have met so many of Edmonton's radio and television people, such as Rob Christy and Audie Lynds, who I recently did an interview with through email. I finally met Garner Andrews, someone I connected with a couple of years ago, and plan to interview on Jock Shots. It was great to see John Yerxa, who looked really good after numerous treatments related to his recent health problems. Although a very brief introduction, it was good to meet Patrick Cardinal.
A familiar voice from my days in Victoria, Kerry Campbell came up and introduced herself to me. I not only used to listen to her when she was on Victoria's X 91.3, but fell in love with her. Needless to say I was disappointed her contract with Capital wasn't renewed this summer, but that's the radio biz. It was such a pleasure to meet Keith 'KJ' James Jr. What a nice man! Then there was another former CHED disc jockey, Len Theusen who I shared few memories with, not to forget Don Kay. Former CJCA'r Mike Grant who couldn't make it because of prior commitments asked if I'd say hello to Gord Satermo, another CJCA'er. I then remembered Kris Burkholder also worked at the original CJCA at one time. She's now with Rob and Audie on Capital. Terry Evans was there, along with Tamara Konrad. Former CHED/CJCA man Gord Whitehead, Charlee Redmond. The familiar duo and former co-hosts, Seanna Collins and Ron Clarke. Nice meeting Stan Ravendahl and James “Gruff” Gushnowski.
Many others I'm sorry I didn't get the opportunity to meet and talk with. It was a heaven on earth meeting all these great radio people who have impacted the Edmonton airwaves over the years. Not to leave out TV people like Al Girard, Jo-Anne Fischer Cassidy, Lesley McMillan, Jean Campbell and Irv Thomas. My apology if I left anyone out. Will make up for it next year.
Thanks Everyone who join us for the first PSR Media Mob Day... By all accounts, it was a great Success!
I also want to thank Rob Hislop for the wonderful job he did in providing us with the evidence, in the form of photographs of this wonderful day.
No doubt Marty and Craig will be making the decision when the next 'PSR Media Mob Day' occurs next year. Hopefully we'll be able to set up the day well in advance, so those who weren't able to attend this year, will be able to slate it in during their vacation time.
I wish I could have been there. So many faces from my past including Dave Shannon not Greg. Dave and I worked together at CISN and Magic.
Yikes! My apology to Dave Shannon... actually, when I first posted the pics, I used the name Gary Shannon, a very popular disc jockey from the old KJR Seattle days, then was told it's not Gary, it's Greg!
Please forgive me Dave. Unfortunately I didn't have the opportunity to meet you during the event....
and thanks to Mike Sobel for not only becoming our latest PSR member, but pointing out this mistake. It was all a plan to get Mike to come onto our site as a new member, and by golly, it worked ;)
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