#Citytv40
From Speakers Corner to Electric Circus, the booming legendary voice of Mark Dailey to the racy “Baby Blues” – more than any other station, Citytv has had its finger on the “pulse” of the ever changing city of Toronto. Now, on Friday, Sept. 28, Citytv celebrates a milestone 40 years in the city – and to mark this event, viewers are invited to look back at some of the happiest, wackiest, most remarkable and truly unforgettable moments in the station’s history, while also getting a glimpse into the future as this iconic brand moves into 2013.
Starting today,CityNews presents Citytv: 40 and Fab, a retrospective five-part news special told through the eyes of viewers, Citytv alumni, and current on-air personalities who have become emblematic of ‘the little station that could.’ Citytv: 40 and Fab will air Monday, Sept. 24 to Friday, Sept. 28 within the CityNews at Five at 5 p.m. ET and CityNews at Six at 6 p.m. ET newscasts on Citytv and CityNews Channel – with the full series and exclusive additional content available online at CityNews.ca
“Citytv has a deep-rooted history in the Toronto community and media landscape, and we’re excited to celebrate 40 strong years of delivering viewers unique and compelling content,” said Scott Moore, President of Broadcast, Rogers Media. “From our dynamic on-air hosts, to our leading locally-produced and US-acquired programming, Citytv has resonated with viewers for the past 40 years, as it continues to grow across Canada.”
Hosted by CityNews anchor Francis D’Souza, Citytv: 40 and Fab features interviews with memorable, former on-air hosts, including The Honourable David C. Onley, Monika Deol, Erica Ehm, Jim McKenny, Peter Gross, Canada’s first female TV sportscaster Debbie Van Kiekebelt, producer Robert Lantos, and music pioneer Denise Donlon.
And from on-air to online, CityNews.cawill feature footage of vintage Citytv programs and commercials, additional interviews with past and present Citytv personalities, and an In Memoriam page remembering Citytv on-air personalities including Mark Dailey, Colin Vaughan, Brian Linehan and Bob Hunter. Also, exclusively online will be fan-favourite Speakers’ Corner clips, including the debut of Barenaked Ladies and Your City, an online forum where viewers can share memories, and favourite Citytv moments from the past 40 years.
Citytv: 40 and Fab Series Descriptions
Monday, Sept. 24
Part one of the series explores how Citytv pioneered change in the television industry – from hiring physically-challenged on-air hosts and visible minorities, to ditching the conventional newsroom set.
Tuesday, Sept. 25
The second installment of the series takes a look at the larger-than-life personalities who became emblematic of Citytv, and others who started their careers at the station. Interview footage includes The Honourable David C. Onley, Ali Velshi, JD Roberts, and John Saunders. Viewers will also reminisce about some of Citytv’s most memorable on-air personalities, including Colin Vaughan, Bob Hunter, and Mark Dailey.
Wednesday, Sept. 26
The third installment of Citytv: 40 and Fab examines Citytv’s groundbreaking programming, including Baby Blue Movies, Fashion Television, The New Music, Electric Circus and Speakers’ Corner.
Thursday, Sept. 27
Citytv has an innate connection with Torontonians. In the fourth part of the series, Francis D’Souza looks at the events that have brought Citytv closer to its viewers, including Breakfast Television’s annual Viewer Appreciation Day.
Friday, Sept. 28
Concluding the series is a look at Citytv’s future in Toronto and Canada, as it expands its footprint across the country. Viewers will also see how new technology has made Citytv more accessible to more viewers – from being innovators in using a live-on-location news truck, to using live streaming and social media in its day-to-day newscasts.
All next week Breakfast Television, Toronto’s #1 morning show, gives viewers a daily sneak peak of Citytv: 40 and Fab, including a special celebration during the broadcast on Friday, Sept. 28. Breakfast Television airs weekday mornings from 5:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. ET on Citytv and CityNews Channel.
Social Media Links
Visit the Citytv 40th Anniversary Website CityNews.ca/Citytvat40
Follow Citytv @City_tv
Follow Citytv PR @Citytv_PR
