courtesy Broadcaster Magazine
June 2, 2016
| CTV announced today that after 43 seasons, Canada AM will deliver its final headlines and interviews when its last episode airs tomorrow, Friday, June 3 from 6 – 9 a.m. ET. Since 1972, Canadians from across the country have awakened to the national morning show, with its blend of hard news and lifestyle stories, as well as in-depth interviews with top newsmakers, celebrities, and musical stars.
Bell Media also confirmed today that long time co-hosts Beverly Thomson and Marci Ien will remain with the company. Thomson moves to CTV News Channel while Ien will develop new projects with Bell Media In-House Productions. Jeff Hutcheson announced his retirement earlier this month. CTV will announce a new program for the 6-9 a.m. timeslot next week. A simulcast of live CTV News Channel programming will air in the timeslot on CTV beginning Monday, June 6. “As the television landscape continues to evolve, so too must our programming. We look forward to building upon the success of Canada AM as we move forward,” said Randy Lennox, President, Entertainment Production and Broadcasting, Bell Media. “We invite viewers and fans to join us as we say goodbye tomorrow and acknowledge the lasting legacy this series and its talent – both now and in the past – have had on Canada’s broadcasting industry.” “Over the past four decades, millions of Canadians have started their mornings with Canada AM,” said Nanci MacLean, Vice-President, Bell Media Production. “We say goodbye with great respect and with sincere appreciation to Bev, Marci, and Jeff, who have led Canada AM with such class, warmth, and wit.” “We are incredibly thankful to our viewers from coast-to-coast-to-coast who have been with us on this journey and a heartfelt part of our TV family all these years,” said Co-Hosts Beverly Thomson and Marci Ien, and Weather and Sports Anchor Jeff Hutcheson. “We are extremely proud of Canada AM. It has been our privilege to be part of this historic Canadian series that brought us the opportunity to work with such an incredible team.” In tribute to both the long-running program and their own participation on Canada AM, tomorrow’s final episode is dedicated to Thomson, Ien, and Hutcheson. Viewers can expect to see studio and location highlights, and clips of the historic moments that Canada AM has covered. Online, the farewell dedication continues with commemorative photo timeline, and favourite memories on the Facebook page. Canada AM has interviewed some of the most newsworthy individuals from within Canada and around the word over the past four decades. It has also aired live during some of the world’s biggest news stories through those years, bringing context to Canadians as they awoke to breaking news stories and began their day. Canada AM has also played a huge part in building the Canadian star system, introducing viewers to the most celebrated actors and talented artists from all walks of entertainment and showcasing hundreds of performers as part of the AM Sound Stage series. READ THE REST OF THE STORY, INCLUDING A CHRONOLOGY OF ALL THE ‘CANADA AM’ HOSTS, HERE AT THE BROADCASTER MAGAZINE WEBSITE |
Smart move by Seamus to jump into politics before the axe fell on Canada AM. Glad Beverly and Marci have a soft landing, for now. Bev, especially, should watch her back. CTV’s always had a ruthless streak for aging presenters. I recall them dumping Terry David Mulligan from their entertainment division. He reportedly filed a lawsuit alleging age discrimination. (Anyone know how that suit proceeded? Or was it settled out of court?)