CJOB-AM

J.O. (Jack) Blick had been a commercial writer at Edmonton’s CJCA. His work was interrupted by World War II and Blick ended up spending four and a half years in the RCAF (flying officer). When back from the war, Blick decided he wanted to have his own radio station. He chose Winnipeg as the location, thinking the city needed and could support a third station. Blick approached E.B. Osler, an acquaintance from his air force days. Osler was able to recruit several prominent Winnipeg citizens and the $125,000 needed to get the station on the air. 

Blick & Osler applied for and received a licence for a new AM radio station at Winnipeg. The station would broadcast on an assigned frequency of 1340 kHz and have an unlimited power of 250 watts. The new station would be staffed with returned servicemen, and apparently would carry no singing commercials or transcribed announcements. Blick applied for the call sign, CJOB – a “job” for veterans and a “job” done for the community. Lou Roskin was named commercial manager. 

Gordon Lee left CKRC as an operator to join the staff of CJOB. A.J. “Tony” Messner resigned from Horace N. Stovin & Co. and the commercial management of CKY to take charge of the entire sales operation at CJOB.

Harold Rodd joined CJOB’s announcing staff. He had been with KNX in Hollywood.

CJOB signed on the air on March 11 and got off to a “flying” start as the city’s new “community” station.  Winnipeg Mayor Garnet Coulter threw the switch that put CJOB on the air. Justice J.B. Coyne was also in attendance. The station was owned and operated by Blick Broadcasting. Studios and offices were located on the tenth floor of the Lindsay Building, 228 Notre Dame Avenue. The towers and Northern Electric transmitter were situated at Thibault and Notre Dame in St. Boniface. The “JOB” in the call letters: John Oliver Blick. 

Blick launched his new station under a “Working for Winnipeg” slogan. World War II had just ended when the station started and every CJOB employee had to be a veteran returning from active duty in one of the services. The senior ranking officer when the station went on air was Flight Lt. Peggy Sprague, the switchboard operator, who later became office manager. Rory MacLennan, later to serve with distinction as the general manager of CJOB, was the station’s first promotion and public relations director. C.E. “Chuck” Tremblay was chief engineer. On -air personnel included Chuck Cooke, breakfast show; George Kent sports, “Hank” (George) McCloy, Vic Cotton, Jim Gibson, George Davies and Dudley Paterson. Live studio programs included pianist Monte Green and accordionist Ted Komar. The station had a staff of 24 men, averaging 24 1/2 years of age, all discharged from the Canadian services. 

At its launch, CJOB claimed a number of “firsts”. It was the first to air news on the hour, every hour. It was also the first to use a mobile news vehicle. CJOB was also the first station in Western Canada to broadcast 24 hours a day. The station was also among the first, if not the first to air lost dog and cat announcements as a public service. Jack Blick’s “Beefs and Bouquets” program” was a telephone show that let listeners voice their views on-air. Blick was also the originator of radio’s “block programming.” 

After six months of service, CJOB was now looking at 24-hour a day service. Until now, CJOB had been operating on a 20-hour a day schedule. The station had also received a new transmitter and the engineering staff was now busy with its installation. Once that work was complete, the round the clock service would begin.

Dorothy Stark joined CJOB as receptionist. She had been with CKX Brandon. Ferg Sidwell was now a fulltime control room operator. He had been a spare in that department. Lew Roskin joined CJOB as program director. He had been at CJOC in Lethbridge.

Chuck Cook hosted CJOB’s 6-9 a.m. show (Smile, Darn Ya, Smile). Tony Messner, commercial rep for CJOB, announced the launch of his own office under the name Radio Representatives Ltd. Lou Roskin left CJOB where he had been production manager, to become an announcer at CFRN in Edmonton. John Russell left CJOB for the announce staff at CJOC Lethbridge. Hal Rodd left CJOB as night supervisor to become Bill White at Vancouver’s CKWX where he would handle feature assignments. 

CJOB went to a 24 hour a day broadcast schedule in May. The station would only be off the air Monday mornings from midnight to 6 a.m. for maintenance work. Gordon Lee now hosted the midnight to 7 a.m. “Night Owl Club”, featuring recorded and transcribed music.

Ed Farey hosted “1340 Club” on CJOB. Dudley Paterson was a CJOB announcer. Hal Rodd left CJOB for the announce staff at CKMO Vancouver. Doug Ellam was an operator. Announcer Frank Stanley left CJOB for CKY. Chuck Cook hosted the morning show. Gordon Lee moved from the CJOB announce staff to the saled department. Jack Goodman took over the announce position. He had been with CJGX Yorkton. Bob McRory joined the CJOB operating staff. Lew Roskin left CJOB for Edmonton’s CFRN.

CJOB applied for an emergency transmitter licence.

An FM licence was recommended for approval in December. 

Ad: block programming, news on the hour, 24 hours a day.

CJOB marked its 2nd anniversary on March 11.

Jack Goodman joined the operating staff. He had been host of the “Night Owl” overnight show. Announcer-operator Ferg Sidwell took over the midnight program. Ken Haldone joined the continuity department. Pete Taylor was on the operating staff. Doug MacCourt, who joined CJOB at its beginning, as transmitter aide, left for Western Sound System. Jack Goodman, on-air and sales at CJOB over the years, returned to CJGX in Yorkton. Chuck Cook was an announcer. George Davies was on-air. Al Tasker was an operator.

The CBC recommended for approval, the transfer of CJOB from J.O. Blick and E.B. Osler to Blick Broadcasting Ltd., already controlled by Blick.

CJOB-FM was officially inaugurated on May 27. It was the first FM station to operate in western Canada.

A special Christmas Day broadcast was beamed from nine different stations across Canada without the use of network facilities. The participating stations were CKWX Vancouver, CFCN Calgary, CKCK Regina, CJOB Winnipeg, CKSO Sudbury, CFPL London, CKCO Ottawa, CFCF Montreal and CFCY Charlottetown.

George McCloy was an announcer. Al Tasker was an engineer. George Davies took over as production manager, replacing Ed Farey who left for the U.S. Jack Wells hosted a nightly sports program on CKRC, morning sports on CBW, a Sunday sports show on CKRC, and did play-by-play commentary for local junior hockey on CJOB! Jim Gibson did news at CJOB. Announcer Vic Cotton left for the U.S. and was replaced at CJOB by John McManus from CJRL Kenora. Vic Price joined CJOB’s graveyard shift (Night Owl program) from CKFI Fort Frances. He replaced Dave Robertson who moved to a daytime airshift. Hugh Dollard left CJOB for General Electric in Toronto and was replaced as studio engineer by Bill Green. J.O. Blick was manager and A.J. Messner was commercial manager.

On May 12 George Davies reported details from various locations during the Winnipeg flood – a major area catastrophe. CJOB’s antenna and transmitter were first raised two feet off the floor and a hole was cut in the shed roof so the equipment could be raised and supported at roof level. CJOB’s transmitter site at St. Boniface was hit hard by the Red River flooding. The station was able to stay on the air through the entire ordeal though. 

Slogan: It’s not power that counts – it’s popularity. 

Cliff Gardner was CJOB’s latest morning funnyman. Also on-air: Gregg Anderson and Jim Gibson. Don Fawcett returned to radio, joining the staff of CJOB. He started in radio in Kenora, then went to CKRC. He left that station for the banking business last year. At ‘OB he would do some announcing and promotional work. George Davies was program director. Chuck Skelding was on air at CJOB. Ethel Lowe was an organist. Some other staff names: Norm Williams, Cliff Gardner, George McCloy, John Mestrey, Bob McRory, Al Tasker and Jim Gibson. Erv Steen joined CJOB from CJRL Kenora. He took over the “Night Owl” program on December 1. James Henderson, manager of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra was hosting a 50 minute program on Sunday nights. 

Housewives were now able to hear their telephone communications with announcer George McCloy (Ladies’ Choice program) on the air, thanks to a two-way phone system installed by CJOB.

Dudley Patterson was called “Winnipeg’s news man”. George McCloy hosted the “Western Hour” program. Cliff Gardiner was morning man. Jim Gibson provided music during supper time hours. Chuck Skelding was an on the spot reporter. Dave Robertson hosted a program for teenagers. Vic Turland hosted a British variety hour.

Irv Stein hosted an after dinner program of music, news and variety. George Gallagher hosted the “Night Owl Club”.

CJOB received approval to move from 1340 to 680 kHz and to increase power from 250 watts full-time to 5,000 watts day and 2,500 watts at night.

In the early1950’s before audience demographics and other sophisticated audience research tools became commonplace, competition for radio advertising revenue intensified through the creation of “radio “promotions.” In May 1956, Jack Blick replaced Don Fawcett with Dick Moody who became CJOB’s second promotion manager. (Fawcett left to buy a radio station in Fort Frances, Ontario)

Shortly after Dick Moody’s arrival, Winnipeg police were called to investigate reports that a stranger was handing out $5.00 bills on city streets. The mystery man disappeared and surfaced again in St. Boniface. This was the Winnipeg launch of CKY’s “Millionaire” promotion. To compete with CKY and CKRC (who had stronger signals and larger audiences) CJOB launched its own promotions including – Shopping Sprees, Money Trees, Bonanza and an on-air Auction using product labels as bidding dollars. During these years, radio stations who were not “number one” in their market were expected to help advertisers actively market their products and many stations, including CJOB, organized in store product displays; hired supermarket product demonstrators; and linked national advertisers with station advertising on billboards, buscards and in-store shelf-talkers. CJOB known as “OB” and created a “Bee” character. Bee lapel pins, OB lighters and OB pens were handed out with tubs of honey on advertising agency and client calls. At public appearances OB staff wore green blazers. The station wanted everyone to bee-lieve in OB! 

CJOB applied to change frequency from 1340 kHz to 730 kHz and to increase power from 250 watts to 10,000 watts. The station was already authorized to move to 680 kHz with 5,000 watts day and 2,500 watts at night, but that move had not yet been implemented.

CJOB was an independent station with no network affiliation. Ownership of Blick Broadcasting Ltd.: J. O. Blick 52.1%, H. Monk 0.2%, E. B. Osler 1.1%, K. A. Powell 6.8%, P. D. Curry 4.3%, A. H. Watson 8.5%, 16 other shareholders 27.0%. John O. Blick was president of the company and CJOB’s manager. George C. Davies was program and production manager. 

The CBC turned down CJOB’s application for a power boost and change of frequency.

On September 30, CJOB began broadcasting from a new transmitter site with three towers. It had a new frequency – 680 kHz – and increased power of 5,000 watts. Ads promoting the changes: “The listening’s great…dial 68” and “OB is BIG in…ManitOBa”.

It is believed the station first proposed to increase power to 2,500 watts but went with 5,000 watts in the end. Also, Jack Blick offered the old transmission equipment and frequency to the University of Manitoba so they could start their own station if approved by the CBC. It is not known if an application for such a station was ever made at the time.

CJOB 680 received approval to increase daytime power from 5,000 to 10,000 watts. Night-time power would remain 2,500 watts. The station would continue to utilize a directional antenna pattern at night. 

With the Board of Broadcast Governors replacing the CBC as regulator, many parties were awaiting the lifting of the TV ban…in Winnipeg three channels were available and CJOB was among those interested in obtaining a licence.

In September, CJOB banned “rock & roll” music and adopted a “good listening” format. Jack Blick, a jazz piano player, disliked rock and roll music so much he banned it in all forms from the station’s library. To underscore the move he created a contest which was promoted in Broadcaster magazine. The prize would be awarded to the person who broke a rock record into the smallest possible pieces. The winner was Jim Peachell, a Toronto ad agency time buyer, who used a Black & Decker sander to grind a record into very fine dust.

In November, Bud Grant’s Winnipeg Blue Bombers traveled east to face Jim Trimble’s Hamilton Tiger Cats for the Grey Cup. CJOB’s program director Cliff Garner created a song based on the then popular Tom Dooley hit with the words changed to “Hang Down Your Head Jim Trimble”. It was played hourly on CJOB. The Bombers won the Cup.

Rory MacLennan was named CJOB’s station manager. He created CJOB sports a separate department, headed by Bob Pickens.

J.O. Blick (president of CJOB) OBCI (Perimeter Televison Broadcasters Ltd.) was one of the applicants for a new television service at Winnipeg. Ralph S. Misener & Associates was the winning applicant (CJAY-TV).

Ad – For rent: best facilities with 1/5 the power of most stations on the continent. 1 dull uncomplicated rate card. 1 medium sized audience with money. 1 promotion-influenced BBM (available soon). 1 ivory tower with bar – all credit cards honoured. 1 soft sell rep organization with offices in Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver. Apply to Box “680” Winnipeg. 

Bill Stewart was reassigned from production to oversee the FM operation, and Tom Bryant returned as host of the morning show “Sounds Familiar.”

CJOB-FM received federal approval to offer programming that was separate from CJOB-AM.

Cliff Gardner was named Program Director of CJOB-AM, replacing Chuck McCartney whose tenure was both brief and rocky. Gardner was responsible for developing “Beacon”…a weekend programming concept loosely patterned after NBC’s “Monitor”. The idea turned out to be very popular, and remained an ‘OB mainstay for many years. 

Howard Langdale was the morning man on AM, while George McCloy held down midday duties, Dunc Anderson kept things lively for afternoon drive, and Larry Schwartz and “Wee” Ray Isley tended to evening duties while Garry Robertson became the newest “Night Owl” host. 

News Director Allan Bready was responsible for “Minitorials”. Other news voices included Dudley Paterson, Richard Vincent, Michael Williams, Fred Whiting, Ken McCreath, Bob Allison, and John Harvard (who later moved into a political career which culminated with his appointment as Lt. Governor of Manitoba). 

One of the station’s earliest employees, Chief Engineer Reg Durie , was assisted by Neil East and Al Carlen.

J. O. Blick sold CJOB-AM and FM to Radio O.B. Ltd., owned by Frank Griffiths, owner of CKNW in New Westminster, B.C. 

The CJOB-AM and FM studios were relocated to 930 Portage Avenue.

John Cochrane joined CJOB from CKRC.

Dick Moody, who served as national sales manager and assistant station manager to Rory MacLennan, left CJOB to join Standard Broadcast Sales in Toronto.

Western Broadcasting Co. was formed as a public company. It controlled Radio O. B. Ltd. and was controlled by Frank Griffiths.

CJOB was an independent station with no network affiliation.

Frank Griffiths was president of the company. Rory MacLennan was manager.

As was the practise in emergencies, CJOB suspended regular programming to provide storm bulletins along with help and advice to listeners during a major winter blizzard.

Western Broadcasting Co. acquired from its principal shareholders all of the outstanding shares of Radio O. B. Ltd.

179,000 shares of Western Broadcasting Co. were sold. 85,000 were sold by Frank Griffiths to United Accumulated Mutual Fund. It was uncertain who purchased the other 94,000 shares.

Warren Cosford was at CJOB. 

Steve Halinda was news director.

Peter Webb, former sales manager at CHLO St. Thomas, took up a similar position with CJOB. 

Rory M. MacLennon was general manager. 

CJOB subscribed to the Standard Broadcast News service. SBN received direct feeds from NBC New York by broadband. 

Slogan: CJOB knows Winnipeg.

Jack Matheson, the well known Winnipeg Tribune sports columnist began doing the Blue Bomber “Hot Line” football program over CJOB.

Slogan – The station of influence in Winnipeg. 

Some of the staff: Ken Nicolson, George McClay, Roger Currie, Bob Beaton, Steve Halinda, Allen Willoughby, Rev. Bruce Miles, Red Alix, Jack Matheson, Ken Rogers, Vic Nerenberg, Dudley Paterson.

CJOB celebrated nine years of airing Winnipeg Blue Bomber CFL broadcasts. Ken Nicolson did play-by-play. Ken Ploen, who played quarterback for the Bombers for 11 years, and Nick Zelnoski, former Bomber lineman, provided colour commentary. Also featured was Cactus Jack Wells, long-time Bomber play-by-play broadcaster who had been covering the football scene in Winnipeg since 1941.

CJOB-FM changed its name to CHMM-FM.

CJOB was authorized to increase power from 10,000 watts day and 2,500 watts night to 50,000 watts day and 25,000 watts night from a new transmitter site.

On October 22, the CRTC turned down an application that would have seen the transfer of effective control of Western Broadcasting Co. Ltd., owner of Radio OB Ltd., thru the transfer of 55.8% of the common shares of WBC from companies controlled individually or jointly by F. A. Griffiths, D. S. Owen and J. R. Peters – North Continent Communications Ltd. (26.3%), Doncaster Investments Ltd. (19.5%), Atlin Investments Ltd. (1.9%) and Peters Management Ltd. (0.3%) to J. Raymond Peters, on behalf of a company to be incorporated; and the entry into a voting trust agreement by the proposed shareholders of the company to be incorporated. This deal was tied in with a similar proposed transfer of Premier Cablevision Ltd. of which WBC held 26.1%.

CJOB was authorized to increase night-time power from 25,000 watts to 50,000 watts. It would now operate with 50 kw day and night.

John Cochrane was named CJOB’s station manager.

 On June 21, OB Radio Ltd. was given permission to acquire CJOB and CHMM from Radio OB Ltd. There was no change in ownership. These companies were wholly owned by WIC Western International Communications Ltd. which was controlled by Frank A. Griffiths thru his ownership of Western Broadcasting Co. Ltd.

Western Broadcast Holdings Ltd., owner of CJOB, took legal action against the Canadian Football League over radio broadcast rights. Western had exclusive rights to regular games of the five western CFL teams during 1980-82, and claimed it should have been allowed to meet any offers when the agreement came up for renewal. However, the CFL awarded the 1983-85 rights to CHUM Western Ltd. (CFRW in Winnipeg).   

On February 15, the CRTC renewed CJOB’s licence to September 30, 1989. 

CJOB’s founder Jack Blick was named posthumously to the CAB Broadcast Hall of Fame. 

Major renovations were undertaken at the 930 Portage Avenue CJOB-CHMM broadcast facility.

CHMM-FM became CKIS-FM.

At its 40th re-union, the station paid tribute to former announcers and staff who had contributed to CJOB’s success over the years including: Red Alix, Howard Langdale, Bob Irving, Bob Beaton, John Harvard, Steve Halinda, Allan Willoughby, Jack Matheson, Jack Wells, Ken Ploen, Peter Warren, Peter Grant, Ken Nicholson, Gary Robertson, Roger Currie, Carol Partridge, Rev. Bruce Miles, Jim Coughill, Ron James and J. Paul McConnell.

After 31 years at CJOB, Rory MacLennan retired and was succeeded as vice president and general manager by John Cochrane. Rory would continue as a director of CJOB and CKIS-FM. 

George McCloy retired after 41 years in broadcasting – the entire time with CJOB. He started with the station when it signed on in 1946.

J.E. (Ted) Smith, president and CEO of Westcom Radio Group, announced that John Cochrane had been elected president of CJOB / CKIS-FM. In addition to his new position, Cochrane was also general manager of both stations. He had been with CJOB since 1964. Cochrane was past president of both the Manitoba and Western Association of Broadcasters and at this time, was a director of the CAB.

Ralph E. Warrington became president and general manager of CJOB / CKIS-FM.

Former local CBC-TV news anchor Mike McCourt was named news director at CJOB.

CKIS-FM became known as CJKR-FM.

Bob Fisher was named general sales manager of CJOB / CJKR-FM, replacing Neil Kembel.

Les Lazaruk was sports director at CJOB.

Rory MacLennan passed away on June 16. He was one of CJOB’s first employees when it went on the air in 1946. During his lengthy career at CJOB he served as president of WAB, director of CAB and BBM, and worked for countless community groups.

Larry Updike joined CJOB in September to host a late night talk show. 

Garth Buchko was named president and general manager of CJOB / Power 97. He had been general sales manager and assumed the role of acting GM in the absence of Ralph Warrington, who was on long-term medical leave and unable to return.

CJOB/CJKR operations manager Ted Farr left to take up the same position at co-owned CHQR/CKIK Calgary. Ken Kilcullen became CJOB’s program director, succeeding Ted Farr. Kilcullen had been with CKPG/CKNN-FM in Prince George. Farr moved on to CHQR/CKIK in Calgary.

Emily Griffiths, WIC Western International Communications’ controlling shareholder resigned her position on the board and was succeeded by Edmondo Giacomelli. 

Ken Kilculleo joined CJOB on June 2 as program director. He had been with CKPG/CKNN Prince George and succeeded Ted Farr. 

OB Limited (CJOB-AM-FM) became a subsidiary of WIC Radio Ltd, controlled by Western International Communications Limited, Vancouver, B.C. 

Talk show host Peter Warren left CJOB at the end of the year after a 28-year career there. Warren, 57, said he’d move to Victoria to write and produce a movie. 

Vic Grant was appointed to the newly created position of news/program director at CJOB.

Mitch Zalnasky took over from Joe Poplawski as color analyst on Winnipeg Blue Bomber (CFL) broadcasts.

CRTC approved the takeover of WIC Radio by Corus Entertainment Inc., including CJOB-AM and CJRK-FM in Winnipeg. 

CJOB talk show host Charles Adler began doing a weekly current affairs show for Global Television. The TV show was taped at Global Calgary each weekend.

CJOB marked its 60th anniversary with a party at the Hotel Fort Garry with morning hosts Larry Updike and Brian Barkley. The public was then invited to the CJOB studios on March 10 for cake and coffee with veteran CJOB announcer Donn Kirton.

Corus took ownership of CJZZ-FM (Cool FM 99.1) on July 30 and the following day, that station moved its studios and offices to the CJOB-CJKR facility at 930 Portage Avenue.

On September 7, Corus Premium Television Ltd. had its application to operate an FM rebroadcast transmitter for CJOB in Winnipeg, on 106.3 MHz with an effective radiated power of 100,000 watts, denied. Corus stated that adding an FM transmitter to broadcast the programming of CJOB would allow the station to address certain signal deficiencies encountered in the downtown core and outlying areas. It added that an FM transmitter would help the station reach its traditional audience while also allowing it to reach a younger demographic that is more likely to tune to the FM band for its radio needs. 

It was announced that Hal Anderson would take over CJOB’s morning show on September 7. He joined from Power 97 Winnipeg. Hal had been in the business for 26 years, working in markets from Moose Jaw to Winnipeg. CJOB news and program director Vic Grant said he was elated with the acquisition. 

Jim Toth was named the new colour analyst for Moose Hockey on CJOB. 

George McCloy died at age 87. McCloy, an on-air host, began working at CJOB in 1946, when the station began, and stayed there until his retirement in 1987.

Alexis LaForest was promoted at Corus Winnipeg to Promotions Manager, succeeding Lisa-Marie Buccini who left the industry. 

Ronald Adam Krochuk died at age 73. Krochuk held sales and marketing positions at such stations as CJOB Winnipeg, CJAD Montreal, CFRB Toronto and at the now-Corus Radio Hamilton stations.

John Joseph “Red” Alix died in January at the age of 83. Best known as “Red Alix”, for 30 years he was the host of the morning show at CJOB. He retired from the station in 1991. 

Corus Radio Winnipeg announced that it would relocate its radio broadcast facility to 1440 Rapelje Avenue as part of a lease agreement between Corus Entertainment and Cadillac Fairview. The relocation to Polo Park was slated for January of 2011. CJOB 68, Power 97 and 99.1 Groove FM would become the anchor tenants of a massive, new, expansion on the site. Corus Radio Winnipeg would occupy the second floor of the three storey building, upsizing its radio, production and business operations to 17,500 square feet. The new facility was being built to accommodate the stations’ 85 full and part-time employees. General manager Garth Buchko said the stations had outgrown their 930 Portage Avenue facility. With the move, Corus Radio Winnipeg would upgraded to state-of-the-art, fully-digital on-air systems which would provide improved sound quality from the field and greater distribution and enhancement opportunities in the future. 

On November 30, the CRTC renewed CJOB’s licence to August 31, 2017.

Karen Black, former mid-day/Music Director at QX 104 FM, was now doing Afternoon Drive at CJOB 68.

Corus Winnipeg General Manager Garth Buchko was working on having a street name near the stations’ new location changed to honour the CJOB founder, Jack Oliver Blick (the JOB in the call letters). A motion would be presented to city hall and if it passed, Jack Blick Avenue would be officially named February 1.

Just in time for Corus Radio Winnipeg’s move into its new home, Winnipeg city council approved the name change of Rapelje Avenue to Jack Blick Avenue, in honour of CJOB founder, J.O. Blick. Jack Blick was a Second World War veteran and founded the station on March 11, 1946. All of the original staff members were veterans returning from the war and seeking employment. Garth Buchko, General Manager of Corus Radio Winnipeg, gave special thanks to Mayor Katz and city councilors for recognizing a broadcast and business icon. Mayor Katz unveiled the name change on Monday, February 7, at 9:15 a.m. CST. 

On February 14, CJOB, Power 97 and 99.1 Groove FM, made the move to 200-1440 Jack Blick Avenue. The new facility boasted over 17,000 square feet of broadcast and office space. 1440 Jack Blick Avenue was the former home of CTV Winnipeg and was owned by Cadillac Fairview. The building was being completely refurbished and would soon announce additional tenants.

CJOB 68 announced that Hall of Fame Broadcaster, Bob Irving, would host the all new CJOB Sports Show from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday to Friday. 

In the spring, CJOB announced that Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback Buck Pierce would join the station’s on-air line-up with a weekly radio show during the CFL season. Anchored in CJOB Sports Show with Bob Irving, Pierce would offer insight into each Blue Bomber game and take calls from football fans each Tuesday from 7:05 p.m. to 8 p.m. Pierce joined head coach Paul Lapolice and defensive tackle Doug Brown, who had become fixtures on CJOB’s football coverage. Lapolice was heard every Monday from 7:05 p.m. until 8 p.m. during the CFL season, while Brown hosted Spin Zone each Monday from 8:05 p.m. until 9 p.m. 

Jim Toth and Cam Carson were the hosts of The All New CJOB Sports Show as of May 4. The program aired between 6:00 and 8:00 p.m., weeknights. 

Kelly Moore joined CJOB on September 1 as executive producer of the station’s NHL coverage. Moore had been program director at Country 103 Kamloops.

Corus Winnipeg manager Garth Buchko was named President/CEO of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers effective March 1. Buchko had an extensive background as a senior executive, most notably as general manager of CJOB, Power 97 and Groove FM for the past 16 years. 

Corus Entertainment announced the appointment of Garry McKenzie as regional general manager for Corus Radio Calgary, Edmonton and Winnipeg, effective April 2. In his new role, Garry would provide leadership, strategic direction and vision to the three markets, bringing over 20 years of solid operating experience, a strong sales and marketing background and results-driven success to 10 radio stations. Most recently, Garry was general manager of Corus Radio Vancouver. 

Manitoba’s Information Superstation, CJOB 68, announced the addition of former Winnipeg Blue Bomber defensive lineman Doug Brown as a colour commentator for CJOB’s coverage of the 2012-2013 Winnipeg Blue Bombers home games. Brown would join CJOB’s Bob Irving on the play-by-play. Continuing as a key member of CJOB’s Blue Bomber coverage team was former Bomber Mitch Zalnasky, who had been with CJOB since the 1970s, serving as a special analyst joining Doug and Bob on all pre-game and post-game shows, as well as sideline reporters Geoff Currier and Keith McCullough. In addition to game day coverage, CJOB would also feature the following Blue Bomber programming: Coach Paul LaPolice Show, with host Bob Irving, Mondays from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., debuting June 25; The Buck Pierce Show, with host Bob Irving, Tuesdays from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., debuting June 26; and Doug Brown’s Spin Zone, Mondays from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. 

Fin Paterson, Retail Sales Manager at Corus Radio Winnipeg, resigned May 11. Paterson, who joined the cluster in June 2007 from CHUM Winnipeg, accepted a position with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, joining former Corus Winnipeg boss Garth Buchko who was now President of the CFL club. 

The new Brand Director (PD) at CJOB was Scott Pettigrew, moving from his 26-year gig at AM920 CKNX Wingham. He was Program and News Director at CKNX. Pettigrew started at CJOB September 24 and succeeded Kevin Wallace who moved to Golden West’s Air 106.1 (CFIT) Airdrie as PD. 

Clay Young left CJOB at the end of the year to join CKLQ Brandon. He had been reporter and anchor at CJOB. 

Kerry Lockhart died at age 47 in December. He spent more than 20 years (on-air) at CJOB.

The temporary morning host at CJOB was Jon Ljungberg, the former Breakfast Television host at City Winnipeg. Hal Anderson was off for health reasons. 

680 CJOB announced that award-winning broadcaster Charles Adler had agreed to a new deal to host a Winnipeg-based talk show. The new three-hour show would debut on September 3. In the meantime, Adler would continue to be heard on the Corus Radio Network and across Canada through his national program carried in Winnipeg by 680 CJOB. 

Scott Pettigrew was Brand Director at CJOB. 

Talk show host Charles Adler left CJOB after 17 years with the station. He was succeeded by station veteran Geoff Currier who had been hosting the evening “Nighthawk” program.

Traffic Reporter Brian Barkley retired at the end of October, after 39 years with the station. He began his broadcast career at CJOB in 1976 doing evening and weekend newscasts.

It was reported late in the year that CJOB rebroadcaster CJEN 96.1 at Jenpeg had gone dark.

John Harvard died in January at age 77. He was a broadcast journalist from 1957 to 1988, working at CBC for 18 years and as the host of CJOB’s Talk Back. Harvard was a Liberal MP from 1988-2004, and was Manitoba’s lieutenant governor from 2004-2009.

In November, CJOB was rebranded as Global News Radio 680 CJOB.

On January 22, Corus Radio launched a new overnight talk show, The Shift with Drex. The four-hour show aired on CKNW Vancouver, CHQR Calgary, CHED Edmonton, CJOB Winnipeg, CFMJ Toronto, CHML Hamilton, and CFPL London. The four hour show was based at CKNW.

Bob Irving celebrated 45 years in broadcasting this year. Hired at CJOB in 1973, he became the play-by-play voice of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers the following fall and covered the CFL team ever since.