On May 26th, 1932, the Canadian Radio Broadcasting Act was passed by Parliament which had established the Canadian Radio Broadcasting Commission (CRBC). Celebrations to be kept to a minimum. It’s Monday, after all.

	3 Comments »	Email This Post
	Asides, Today In CBC History	Posted at 12:44 pm (26 May 2008)

On this date in 1965, Cross Country Checkup debuted with a debate on a national, publicly funded health care system. Years later, we have the national health care system and a radio program that continues to entertain and provoke. (Although I really do miss the standard two-question opener to each caller from years back: “Cross Country Checkup, where are you calling from? What do you think about ________”)

	2 Comments »	Email This Post
	Asides, CBC Radio 1, Cross Country Checkup, Today In CBC History	Posted at 11:08 am (16 May 2008)

The CNR Radio system dies in name only. The CRBC got the three CNR-owned stations, the Montreal studios and some extra control gear in Winnipeg for $50,000.

	Add Comment »	Email This Post
	Asides, Today In CBC History	Posted at 6:59 am (02 Apr 2008)

In 1928, children’s TV host Frederick McFeely Rogers (Mr. Rogers) was born in Latrobe Pennsylvania.  After developing the Mr. Rogers personna with the CBC, his PBS half-hour Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood was in production from 1968-2001. He died of stomach cancer Feb 27, 2003 at age 74.

	3 Comments »	Email This Post
	Asides, Today In CBC History	Posted at 10:56 am (20 Mar 2008)

On this day in 1952, at 8.30 pm, Vancouver’s CBR 1130 became CBU 690. There was a 30-minute CBU Special at 8:30 followed by a Robbie Burns Special at 9:05 pm. The launch of CBU meant a power increase from 5000 watts to 10,000 watts. At this point CBC Radio had just 17 low-power relay transmitters throughout B.C.

	1 Comment »	Email This Post
	Asides, Today In CBC History, Transmission, Vancouver	Posted at 12:02 pm (25 Jan 2008)

On this day in 1930, CPR applied for seven 50 kW transmitters to be located to serve Vancouver, Edmonton, Regina, Winnipeg, Toronto, Montreal, and either Halifax or Saint John. 15 kW transmitters were proposed for Fort William, Sudbury, Quebec City and Prince Albert. However, on April 2nd, eight of the applications were withdrawn “until a decision was made by Parliament” (on the future of radio). However, three applications were left standing for stations in Toronto, Montreal and Winnipeg but, apparently, never re-surfaced. On the same date, Canadian Pacific was issued a license for a “phantom” station (CHRY - later changed to CPRY) which would be based in studios in the new Royal York Hotel in Toronto and which would lease time for its programs from CKGW or CFRB.

	Add Comment »	Email This Post
	Asides, Today In CBC History	Posted at 8:54 am (17 Jan 2008)

On this day 25 years ago, CBC Television moved the national news to 10 pm and introduced a new public affairs program The Journal, hosted by Barbara Frum, which would last for a decade.

	1 Comment »	Email This Post
	Asides, Today In CBC History	Posted at 1:18 pm (11 Jan 2008)

Also this day in 1927, singer & program host Gisele MacKenzie was born Marie LaFeche in Winnipeg. After having her own daily CBC radio show the high points of her career include starring on TV’s Your Hit Parade & playing the violin on the Jack Benny Show. She also had a top 10 hit recording, Hard to Get. She died Sep 5, 2003 at age 76

	Comments Off	Email This Post
	Asides, Today In CBC History	Posted at 12:39 pm (10 Jan 2008)

On this day in 1955, TV cameras were first allowed to enter the Canadian Houses of Parliament in Ottawa.  The Speech from the Throne and the opening pomp & circumstance were broadcast live on television for the first time.

	Comments Off	Email This Post
	Asides, Today In CBC History	Posted at 12:54 pm (07 Jan 2008)

In 1981 on this date, CHEK TV 6 in Victoria dropped all CBC programming and became a full time CTV affiliate. It is now an affiliate of the E! network.

	Comments Off	Email This Post
	Asides, Today In CBC History	Posted at 8:54 am (04 Jan 2008)

On this first day of 1941, Lorne Greene was appointed as first announcer in CBC’s new national news service. His stentorious tones in nightly wartime broadcasts earned him the nickname ‘The Voice of Doom’ years before his reincarnation as Pa Cartwright on Bonanza.

	Comments Off	Email This Post
	Asides, Today In CBC History	Posted at 9:22 am (02 Jan 2008)

Two years ago today, CBC Radio 3 celebrated its millionth download, making it the #1 music podcast in Canada. Today, CBC has six podcasts in the top 30, with Stuart McLean’s Vinyl Cafe being in the #1 position most days.

	1 Comment »	Email This Post
	Asides, Today In CBC History	Posted at 1:09 pm (30 Dec 2007)