Foreword

Before CFRB came on the air in Toronto on February 19, 1927, radio stations around the world relied on Direct Current (D.C.) for their power supplies as provided by batteries and/or motorized generators. The Alternating Current (A.C.) from power systems could not be used for heating filaments in the audio circuits because it produced an obnoxious hum - hence low-voltage batteries were commonly used. Further, to produce the high-voltage direct current and/or the low filament voltage required by transmitting tubes, electric A.C. motors were coupled mechanically to D.C. generators. This set-up served the purpose but it was expensive and unreliable.

Earlier, another Canadian, Reginald Fessenden had demonstrated in 1900 that radio signals, until then limited to dots and dashes, could be "modulated" to carry voice, music and other sounds.

Then, in 1902, Fessenden went on to patent another invention of his - the "heterodyne principle" which, as it was perfected, made it easier to tune a radio by using only one instead of as many as four knobs.

In 1925, Edward S. (Ted) Rogers of Toronto scored a break-through in radio receivers. His achievement resulted from his experiments in developing radio tubes employing an "indirectly-heated cathode". This proved to be a major advancement for radio - particularly so for

Edward (Ted) Rogers, Sr.

receivers. Before Rogers' invention, alternating current could not be used to heat the filaments of tubes because of the severe hum caused in the receiver. These early tubes used a filament (as in a lamp) for the "cathode" element (when it was activated, it became hot and emitted electrons). Rogers' invention shielded the filament with a metal sleeve so that the sleeve was heated by the filament inside it. That sleeve became the "cathode" element, and the filament was re-named as a "heater" for the cathode. This development eliminated the hum when the heater was applied with alternating current.

In addition, while rectifier tubes that could convert A.C. to D.C. had been invented, they were not used in broadcasting - neither for home receivers nor for transmitters. Ted Rogers applied their principles to develop a rectified A.C.-power supply to substitute for the high-voltage "B+" batteries in receivers. Thus, all batteries were eliminated. Neither the 6-volt "A" batteries nor the 45-volt "B" batteries were necessary.

In August of 1925, the first Rogers Batteryless Radio Receiver was publicly unveiled at the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto. For the ensuing two years, these Rogers radio receivers were the only batteryless radios manufactured in North America.

After developing this revolutionary receiving tube, Ted Rogers and his brother Elsworth started a new company to make receivers using these tubes and the rectified power supplies. Their father, Albert Rogers, had financed the operations with a holding company incorporated as Standard Radio Manufacturing Corporation Limited.

(In 1928, the name was changed to Rogers Majestic Corporation Limited). Standard controlled both Rogers Radio Tube Company and Rogers Batteryless Radio Company - the latter, the manufacturer of the receivers. Models were produced under the names Rogers Majestic and DeForest-Crossley.

In his book Broadcast Policy Development (1982), Frank Foster recalled that the invention of the batteryless radio by E.S. Rogers had an indirect effect on the development of policy for broadcasting. "His batteryless radio increased the popularity of radio broadcasting. With an increase in the number of radio listeners there was a corresponding increase in the demands for a distinctive Canadian system".

Ted Rogers Sr. went on to serve this demand.

The History of CFRB

1927
On February 19th, to respond to the public's desire for more sources of radio entertainment and to demonstrate to the world that broadcasting stations could operate solely from alternating current power lines,  Standard Radio Manufacturing Corporation Limited obtained an experimental license for "9RB". Using tubes that he had developed, Ted Rogers built the world's first radio broadcasting transmitter operating from power lines, without batteries and motorized D.C. converters.

On February 19, 1927, 9RB became CFRB ("RB" for Rogers Batteryless), broadcasting on 1030 kHz with 1,000 watts. CFRB was operated by Rogers Radio Broadcasting Company. CFRB shared the 1030 frequency and airtime with CKGW and CJYC. CFRB's first studios were situated in the mansion built by the Massey family which had been converted to accommodate the Ryan Art Galleries (Jarvis Street, near Wellesley). The transmitter was sited north of Toronto in Aurora on Bloomingdale sideroad - later named "CFRB Sideroad". In March, CFRB's position on the dial became 960 kHz, and the air-time and the frequency were shared only with CKGW.

1928
On April 25, using a new transmitter and still on 960, CFRB's power was increased from 1,000 watts to 5,000 watts.

Standard Radio Manufacturing Corp. Ltd. became Rogers Majestic Corp. Ltd.

Wes McKnight

Wes McKnight joined the station as Sports Director, doing sports interviews,  live coverage of the King’s Plate horse races;  in 1934 he developed “Sportsviews” - before the Imperial Esso Hockey broadcast on Saturday nights– a program that continued for 40 years.  He also did “Sports Commentary”at

1929
CFRB moved to new offices and studios in a two-story building at 37 Bloor Street West. At the time, the studios were ranked as the largest in Canada, with 2,000 square feet of floor space and a large auditorium to accommodate audiences for live shows. These studios were used in the production of a large number of sponsored Canadian programs which were fed to networks of stations in Montreal and various Ontario cities selected by advertising agencies.

On April 29, CFRB became affiliated with CBS, the Columbia Broadcasting System, and carried as its first CBS feature The Majestic Theatre of the Air.

CKGW moved to another frequency, leaving CFRB the only station in Toronto on 960 kHz.

1930
CKGW was re-positioned on 960, and again, CKGW and CFRB "shared".

CFRB was the first Canadian station to originate a program on an American network.

Rex Frost joined CFRB.

1931
On November 2nd, CFRB's frequency was changed from 960 kHz to 690 kHz, an international clear Class I-A channel allocated to Canada. Power was increased to 10,000 watts.

The Canadian Pacific Railway, which had been authorized to use the "phantom" call-sign CPRY, leased certain periods of transmitter time for presentation of programs from studios it established in the Roof Garden of the CPR-owned Royal York Hotel.

Harry Sedgwick

1933
Harry Sedgwick became Managing Director of Rogers Radio Broadcasting Ltd., begining 15 years of leading CFRB by developing talent and programing that made the station one of the most repected in Canada.  At the same time he helped the Canadian Association of Broadcasters through its toughest years, many of them as its President.

1934
Two 300-foot steel towers for a 600-foot "flat-top" antenna were installed at the Aurora plant.

Kate Aitken joined the CFRB air-staff.

1932-1935: CFRB 690 vs 500,000 watt WLW 700
CFRB (690 kHz) expressed concern with Washington (via the Canadian government) about the experimental operation of WLW Cincinnati at 700 kHz, using a power of 500,000 watts. Because of interference from WLW, CFRB increased its power . CFRB said its power increase succeeded in diminishing interference between it and WLW. However, CFRB feared that if the experimental operation of WLW with 500,000 watts were successful, the experimental restriction might be removed with the result that interference would be caused to CFRB. The Canadian government suggested a transfer of WLW to a channel at least 50 kHz away from 690 kHz and from any other channel used in Ontario. This would not happen of course. The actual separation in miles between WLW and CFRB was 400 miles.

Canada contacted the U.S. Government again. Canada said that with WLW operating at 500,000 watts, the service area of CFRB was reduced to little more than the City of Toronto itself, and 50 miles out, the signals from Toronto were completely obliterated. WLW was told it could operate with a power of 500,000 watts during the day and only 50,000 watts at night - or 500,000 watts at night, provided such a radiating system was employed that the effective signal delivered in the area between Niagara Falls, N.Y., Lockport, N.Y., and Lake Ontario, did not exceed the effective signal delivered in that area when operating with 50,000 watts. In 1932, the governments of the U.S. and Canada entered into an agreement by which 690 kHz was allocated exclusively for the use of a Canadian station located at Toronto, with the right reserved to Canada to increase the power thereof to 50,000 watts. With that in mind, it was very difficult for the U.S. to allow WLW to continue its unrestricted 500,000 watt night-time experiment.

1935

Clair Wallace

Harry Sedgwick hired many new personalities in the 1930’s, many of them women. Claire Wallace was one of the most outstanding. “Tea Time Topics”, 15 minutes daily, just before the news, became very popular. 

1936

Jim Hunter

Recognizing the need for a stronger News presence, CFRB hired Jim Hunter who was writing for the Telegram newspaper, and he read the news directly from the Telegram’s editorial room. His newscast became very popular with the sound of a “coach horn” introduction to the tune of “a-Hunting We Will Go”. His newscasts continued until his death in 1949.

1937
A short-wave transmitter, licensed as CFRX, was installed at the Aurora transmitting site, utilizing 1,000 watts on 6070 kHz. It carried CFRB's programs.

1938
Rogers Radio Broadcasting Co. Ltd. was granted an experimental licence for a frequency modulation (FM) station to simulcast CFRB's programming as VE9AK. A 50-watt transmitter, built at the Rogers Radio Tube plant, operated in the original FM band - around 42 MHz. A vertical antenna was mounted on the roof of the CFRB studio building at 37 Bloor Street West - with a height of only 60 feet above ground level.

1939
Edward Samuel (Ted) Rogers, founder of CFRB, died. His son, E.S. (Ted) Rogers junior, who was to become one of the most dynamic persons in Canadian broadcasting and telecommunications in the 20th century, had yet to reach his 6th birthday.

1941
As a result of the terms of Havana Treaty of 1937 the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), the regulator of Canadian broadcasting, instructed CFRB to move from 690 to another Canadian Class I-A channel - 860 kHz. This move was made to accommodate CBF - the CBC's new 50-kilowatt station in Montreal which had been assigned to 690 kHz. Thus, on March 29, CFRB's transmitter plant at Aurora was re-adjusted to operate on 860 kHz.

Through negotiations with W.C. Thornton Cran, the manufacturing assets of Rogers Majestic Corporation Limited (Rogers Radio Tubes Ltd. and Rogers Batteryless Radio Co. Ltd.) were sold to Small Electric Motors Limited. Rogers Majestic Corporation Limited changed its name to Standard Radio Limited, and retained control through Rogers Radio Broadcasting Company Limited, which held the licence for CFRB.

John Collingwood Reade was now heard on CFRB. Claire Wallace left CFRB for the CBC. Earl Dunn joined the station.

1942
VE9AK (FM) left the air until the end of WW II.

Jck Dennett

1943
Fresh from CFAC Calgary & CKRC Winnipeg, Jack Dennett took over the 8 am and 6:30 pm newscasts, replacing the popular Jim Hunter.  He wrote, edited and read these newscasts for 26 years.  As a member of the Hot Stove League, he presided over that group prior to the Saturday Night Hockey radio broadcast which went coast to coast. (John Collingwood Reade, commentator for four years at CFRB, left for Ottawa. Dennett was Reade's replacement for the 11:00 p.m.)

An advertising slogan of the day: In the Heart of Ontario - CFRB Toronto - The listener's choice.

Wally Armour was appointed CFRB's musical director, replacing Roy Locksley. Some of the on-air names: Rex Frost, Jim Hunter, Cy Strange (joined this year).

Standard Radio Ltd., the holding company for CFRB and Windsor's CKLW, showed a profit according to its 1941-42 financial statement.

1944
Gordon Sinclair joined CFRB on June 6. While working at the Toronto Star, Sinc had actually had his first taste of radio in 1942 with CFRB when he did a number of feature reports.

1945
Small Electric Motors Limited, with its former Rogers' manufacturing units, were sold - to become the Canadian nucleus of the Dutch-owned Philips Electronics Ltd.

Bill Deegan joined the CFRB announcing staff from Sudbury's CKSO.

Keith Dancy was hired as an announcer at CFRB.

1945-46
Four Canadian stations had their applications for 50,000 watts of power turned down: CFRB, CKAC Montreal, CFCN Calgary and CKY Winnipeg.

1946
CFRB celebrated its 19th anniversary on February 19. Three of the original staff members - engineer Jack Sharpe and program director Wes McKnight and cheif  operator Bill Baker - were still with the station in 1946.

Velma Rogers, the widow of Ted Rogers Sr., sold her shares in Standard Radio Limited. Argus Corp. Ltd. which had been formed in 1945 by E.P. Taylor, J.A "Bud" McDougald and his brother-in-law W.E. Phillips, acquired control of CFRB through the purchase of shares of Standard Radio Ltd.

In March, the CBC Board of Governors declared that, as a result of the Havana Treaty of 1937, all Class 1-A frequencies would be reserved for the CBC's use. They then made a formal application for 3 Class I-A frequencies that were being occupied by private stations. One of those channels was 860 kHz in Toronto - used by CFRB for several years. The stations were notified on April 18th that the CBC would be requiring the use of the channels by June, 1947. The CBC's second Toronto station CJBC (ex-CBY) was operating as a Class II channel with 5,000 watts on 1010 kHz, directional. The CBC's plan was to move CJBC to 860 kHz with 50,000 watts, non-directional, jointly using CBL's antenna site and tower at Hornby. A lengthy controversy over CFRB's forced eviction from 860 kHz developed and continued into 1947. The other private stations being booted from clear channels were CFCN Calgary and CKY in Winnipeg.

Wally Crouter

Mornings on CFRB would never be the same ! On November 1, Wally Crouter started a 50 year stint on the station. He always had something new going on, special guests, controversial topics – all with the listener in mind. Typical of Wally – when Hurricane Hazel hit Southern Ontario in the 1950's, killing 81 people and leaving thousands homeless, Wally somehow made it to the studio by 6:00 a.m., and, yes the lights were on, as was the transmitter. He was on the air until noon, with non-stop messages about school and office closings, and helping to organize volunteers to help those in trouble. He would retire 50 years later to the day in 1996 – with a big retirement party with many of his fans. Before coming to CFRB, Wally had been with CHEX in his hometown of Peterborough. Crouter had done some work at CFRB once before - in 1940, he was a vocalist at the station.

On his discharge from the RCAF, Jack Dawson, who had come fom CJCA Edmonton in 1939, rejoined the announcing staff.

Joan Baird was a women's commentator at CFRB. The Toronto Better Business Bureau's A.R. Haskell had been hosting a program (Facts about Rackets) on CFRB for 11 years now.

Slogan: First for Information! First for Entertainment! First for Inspiration!

Before the Special Committee on Radio Broadcasting, CFRB's Harry Sedgwick compared the programming of his station with that of CJBC, the station that would take over CFRB's 860 kHz frequency. He used the week of June 30 to July 6 for his comparison. In religious broadcasts, CFRB offered 3 hours and 25 minutes, 2 church services, organ music, choir singing, hymns, daily "Victorious Living". This compared to CJBC's one program of religious music. Sustaining public service broadcasts on 'RB (not including spot announcements) amounted to 5 hours, Columbia symphony orchestra, outdoor programs, Report from Parliament Hill, etc. CJBC offered 2 hours and 15 minutes, including Operation Crossroads and High School News. When it came to sustaining news and news commentaries, CFRB had six hours and CJBC, four hours and 48 minutes. U.S. network commercials accounted for 11 hours and 45 minutes on CFRB and 9 hours and 30 minutes for CJBC. Canadian ads used 31 hours and 20 minutes on 'RB and 30 minutes on 'BC. CJBC used 34 hours of American sustaining programs to fill its schedules while CFRB used 27 hours and 40 minutes. CFRB used 47 hours and 50 minutes of recorded programs against CJBC's 46 hours and 5 minutes. CFRB was on the air 127 hours and 5 minutes of the week and CJBC was on 117 hours and 36 minutes. When it came to ratings (Elliott Haynes for June, 1946), Harry Sedgwick said CFRB had 19.9% of all radio sets tuned in in the Toronto area for the 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. time period. CJBC had 7.7%. In the evenings, he said 27.9% were tuned to CFRB while CJBC rated 7.3%. A test of signal strength conducted by RCA on June 26, at ten scattered points in the city, showed the strength of CJBC was over 2 1/2 times that of CFRB. Sedgwick said CJBC's lack of audience in the Toronto area was not due to any lack of signal, but could only be due to their program policies.

Freelancer Michael FitzGerald joined the CFRB announcing team in August, replacing Cy Strange. He had worked in the past at CKTB St. Catharines. Strange left CFRB to work in the British film business.

1947
Ken Marsden was CFRB's publicity director. Jaff Ford was a CFRB announcer.

CFRB marked its 20th anniversary in February. A special broadcast to mark the event featured station staffers: Jack Sharpe (chief engineer since day one), Bill Baker (chief operator - he was with the Rogers factory that built the Rogers Battery-less station before he joined CFRB itself), Wishart Campbell (voice known to CFRB listeners for many years, joined the station as musical director on release from the RCAF), Wes McKnight (program director - joined the station in 1928. His "Sportsviews" were still heard to this day and were the first daily sportscasts in the country), Lloyd Moore (station manager - joined 'RB in the early 1930's... started his career at Hamilton's CKOC), and Harry Sedgwick (president of CFRB and chairman of the board of the Canadian Association of Broadcasters). The broadcast also featured William S. Paley (chairman of Columbia - CBS), Gordon Sinclair, Greg Clark, John Collingwood Reade, Jim Hunter (just recently did his ten thousandth newscast), Rex Frost, Claire Wallace, Andrew Allen (CBC), Joan Baird, Roy Ward Dickson, Maurice Boddington, Grace Matthews and Todd Russell. The special program also paid tribute to those who had contributed to the CFRB program schedule over the years: Anne Jamieson, Jack O'Donnell, Bill Kemp, Denton Massey, John Holden, Margueretta Nuttal, Reginald Stewart, the late Luiji Romanelli, Ernest Seitz, Eddie Bowers, Al and Bob Harvey, Charlie shearer (former CFRB manager), Alexander Chahallen, A.S. Rogers, Edgar Stone and Foster Hewitt.

As noted above, in January, Jim Hunter delivered the news for the 10,000th time. For 16 years, 11 months annually, 6 days a week, twice a day, he had presented the news over CFRB. Originally Hunter was the Toronto Evening Telegram's talking reporter. He started in radio in 1929 at Chicago's WBBM. He joined CHML Hamilton in 1930, moved to CKCR Kitchener in 1931 and then joined CFRB a short time after that.

Faced with the loss of 860 kHz, CFRB searched for property where, using 1010 kHz, it could continue to principally serve Toronto. A site was selected near Clarkson, southwest of Toronto. Knowing it didn't have a chance of winning against the CBC for 860, CFRB formally applied to change frequency to 1010 kHz. The CBC approved the application that would see CFRB on 1010 kHz with a power of 10,000 watts, using four 250 foot towers. Subsequently, CFRB's engineering consultant, B. de F. Bayley, was able to develop adjustments to his antenna design whereby protection was maintained to other channels, with the station using higher power. CFRB then applied for an increase in power to 50,000 watts. The daytime radiation pattern would use two of four towers. The night pattern would use all four towers. Before the year came to an end, the CBC Board of Governors agreed that in moving from a Class I-A frequency to a Class II frequency and to a new transmitter site, CFRB would be allowed to increase its power to 50,0000 watts from 10,000 watts "to maintain the present coverage".

CJBC 1010 was expanding into the commercial field, handling national spot business as well - with the assumption it would continue as key station for the CBC's Dominion network. It seemed CJBC planned to walk in on CFRB's market before taking over that station's 860 kHz frequency, expected in June.

Aubrey Wice joined CFRB as record librarian. He had worked in the past for the CBC and CKEY. Free-lancer Vic Growe was now narrating a Hollywood news-type presentation over CFRB.

Slogan: Co-operation in every project of community interest. Featured personalities on all topical subjects. Regular newscasts - local, Canadian and world. Balanced programming that holds a loyal audience.

CFRB-FM signed on, replacing experimental station VE9AK.

1948
The frequency exchange for CFRB and CJBC had now been planned for July 1st, but both stations were experiencing some installation problems. It was mutually agreed to delay the cut-over until September 1st. Thus, at midnight August 31st, the Aurora transmitter was shut down, and on the new day, CFRB began broadcasting on 1010 from Clarkson. Similarly, at midnight, CJBC shut down its Port Credit plant, restarting on September 1st from Hornby at 50 kW. CFRB was the first private station in the British Commonwealth with power of this magnitude and to employ two directional patterns (DA-2). The CFRX shortwave transmitter plant was also moved to the Clarkson site.

Bill Valentine joined CFRB from Winnipeg's CKRC. At ‘RB, he became the first rep to join sales manager Waldo Holden.

Gord Atkinson began hosting "Club Crosby" in September. The program featured Bing Crosby records.

1949
Royce Frith began hosting "Home on the Range" on CFRB.

1952
Claire Wallace returned to CFRB from the CBC.

1956
Bob Aiken joined CFRB as retail sales manager. He had been assistant manager at CJIB Vernon.

1957
Ownership of Rogers Radio Broadcasting Co. Ltd.: Standard Radio Ltd. 98.9%, E. W. Bickle 0.1%, A. B. Matthews 0.1%, M. W. McCutcheon 0.1%, J. A. McDougald 0.1%, W. E. Phillips 0.1%, J. H. Ratcliffe 0.1%, J. E. Rogers 0.1%, S. Rogers 0.1%, H. Sedgwick 0.1%, E. L. Moore 0.1% and V. McGlennon 0.1%.

Executive and staff personnel included: President, General Manager - Harry Sedgwick; Station Manager - E. Lloyd Moore; Program, News and Sports Director -Wes McKnight; Music Director - Wishart Campbell; Women's Director - Kate Aitken; Gardening Affairs - John Bradshaw; Production Manager - Earl Dunne; Chief Engineer - Clive Eastwood; Chief Operator - Bill Baker. Announcers - Jack Dawson, Wally Crouter, Keith Rich, Bill Deegan, Eddie Luther. Newscasters - Gordon Sinclair, .Jack Dennett. Program Host - Walter Kanitz.

Ray Sonin & Noel Coward

1958
Calling All Britons, produced and hosted by Ray Sonin, began Sept 13.
Betty Kennedy appointed Director of Public Affair; Bob Hesketh joined the news staff and as an alternate to Gordon Sinclair. Jack Dawson became cheif annoncer and program director.

1959
CFRB was one of seven unsuccessful applicants to the Board of Broadcast Governors for a license for the first Toronto private television station.

Harry Sedgwick who, since 1933. had become the President and Managing Director of Rogers Radio Broadcasting Company Limited and General Manager of CFRB, died at the age of 64.

He was succeeded temporarily by Elsworth Rogers, the brother of the late Ted Rogers Sr. who had founded CFRB.

Wes McKnight was appointed Station Manager, succeeding Lloyd Moore who had retired. Bill Stephenson took over as Sports Director; Jack Dawson was appointed Chief Announcer and Program Director, Torben Wittrup joined the CFRB news staff.

On May 15, 1959. W. C. Thornton (Winks) Cran was appointed President of Rogers Radio Broadcasting Company Limited, which became Standard Radio Limited. The Chairman of the Board was J.A. (Bud) McDougald.

Additional on-air names: John Bradshaw, and Jack Dennett. Betty Kennedy (public affairs editor), Bill Stephenson, Bob Hesketh, and Torben Wittrup joined the CFRB team.

1960
CFRB applied for and obtained permission to change CFRB-FM's transmitter site from 37 Boor Street West to 35 King Street West and a new antenna atop the Canadian Bank of Commerce Building, which then was the tallest building in the British Empire. The high-gain antenna and the powerful 20-kW transmitter provided an effective radiated power (erp) of 200 kW - at that time, making it the most powerful FM station in Canada.

Gil Murray joined the staff as an on-air news reporter and editor. During
the eight following years he covered Queens Park on a daily basis, and in
1965, served as President of the Ontario Press Gallery.

1961
Standard Radio Limited purchased Montreal radio station CJAD from its founder J. Arthur Dupont.

Standard Radio Limited established Standard Broadcast Sales as a national sales representation company - initially for CFRB and CJAD but also to act for leading stations across Canada. Appointed President was CFRB's Sales Manager Waldo Holden.

CFRB staff appointments: Promotion Manager - Jerry McCabe; News Director - Bill Hutton.

Earl Warren departed CFRN Edmonton to host CFRB's l0.00 am - 2.00 pm shift.

Eddie Luther became Canada's first airborne traffic reporter.

1962
On January 3, Rogers Radio Broadcasting Limited became CFRB Ltd.

Canadian content of CFRB's musical programs received a stimulus by the introduction in October of the first ten Canadian Talent Library albums produced during the summer by Lyman Potts. Jointly funded with sister station CJAD in Montreal, the concept of using live talent budgets to employ Canadians to make stereo recordings for broadcasting was warmly welcomed by the Board of Broadcast Governors in approving CJAD's application for its FM licence.

1963
Lyman Potts, CJAD's Program Director and Manager of CJFM-FM, moved to head office in Toronto. He was appointed Assistant to the President, W.C. Thornton Cran to undertake a number of specific assignments. As a start, he was to co-ordinate and be responsible for any station activities with the Department of Tran sport, the Board of Broadcast Governors and the Canadian Association of Broadcasters. He was also made responsible for the joint operation of the two FM stations, He would also continue to develop the Canadian Talent Library,

CFRB's on-air lineup: Wally Crouter (6-10), Earl Warren (10-2) Eddie Luther (2-3), Betty Kennedy (3-4), Bill Deegan (4-8), Continental Concert hosted by Walter Kanitz (8-9). Starlight Serenade hosted by George Wilson (9-11). Bill Deegan (11.30-midnight), Bill McVean (12pm-6am) There were also long breaks for major news packages. News voices included those of Jack Dennett, Gordon Sinclair, Bob Hesketh, Torben Wittrup and Bob Greenfield

CFRB-FM became CKFM-FM. Except from midnight to 6 am, its programs were now totally separate from CFRB.

President of CFRB Ltd. was W.C. Thornton Cran; CFRB Manager - Wes
McKnight; Assistant Manager and Program Director - Jack Dawson; Production Manager - Earl Dunne; Chief Announcer - Eddie Luther; Sales Manager - Bill Brennan; Traffic Manager - Mary Falconer; Studio Supervisor - Bill Baker; News Director - Bill Hutton; Sports Director - Bill Stephenson; Women's Director - Betty Kennedy; Chief Engineer - Clive Eastwood; Chief Operator - Don McEachern; Music Librarian Art Collins. On-air names included: Wally Crouter, Jack Dennett, Earl Warren, Gordon Sinclair, Betty Kennedy, Bill Deegan, Bill Stephenson, Bob Hesketh and Ray Sonin.

Charles Doering and Bill McVean were new to CFRB this year.

On June 1st, Donald H. Hartford was appointed General Manager of
CFRB Ltd. Subsequently, when Mr. Cran was named Chairman of the Board, Donald Hartford was appointed President and General Manager of CFRB Ltd, which included CFRB and CKFM. Jack Dawson was appointed Vice-President and Station Manager of CFRB. Wes McKnight, a Vice-President, was appointed Director of Public Relations. He had been with "Ontario's Family Station" for almost 38 years.

The corporate name of the company became Standard Broadcasting
Corporation Limited.

1966
Standard obtained Canadian rights for the broadcasting of NBC Radio News in Canada formerly held by the CBC. Forming a physical network to extend it across Canada was financially prohibitive and it certainly would not cosmetically fit-in with the spirit of the Broadcasting Act. However, it did contain news stories, actualities and fast-breaking world events that would enhance the news coverage of Canadian stations.

CN-CP Telecommunications was just perfecting the use of Broadband on its Canada-wide system, and Lyman Potts was able to establish what became known as "Standard Broadcast News". CN-CP offered a service whereby one could "dial up" a predetermined list of stations and, like a long-distance call, pay only for the time used. He then approached stations in major cities across Canada and offered them a service which would include items taped from NBC Radio News, the CFRB-CJAD News Bureau on Parliament Hill and Canadian news from participating Canadian stations. Permission had already been received from the BBG to take directly from NBC actualities of news being made. Initially, the network comprised stations in 13 cities from Vancouver to St. John's. It rose over the years to include 27 stations.

This was also the year that Lyman Potts was appointed President of a new subsidiary - Standard Broadcast Productions (SBP), designed to produce and market Canadian programs of value to other stations. These programs were distributed on tapes or discs and mailed to stations requesting them. They also provided wider exposure and new income for Canadian writers, actors and other types of performers. Examples: Bob Hesketh's 5-per-week "The Way I See It" which became the longest-running syndicated radio program in Canada; actor Don Harron's series as "Charlie Farquarson"; Guy Gisslason's "Centennial Flashback".

SBP also was an "umbrella" for Standard Broadcast News, The Canadian Talent Library, and two music publishing firms - Deer Park Music and Conestoga Music.

Wayne van Exan was now at CFRB doing the overnight show (Music ‘Till Dawn).

1967
Pierre Berton & Charles Templeton were doing commentary on CFRB.

1968
Art Cole was appointed News Director, succeeding Bill Hutton.

After working dayshifts at sister station CKFM-FM, Fred Napoli moved over to CFRB to do an overnight program, Music Till Dawn.  Fred's interpolation of his original short stories and essays between the easy listening music tracks was to build him a major cult following.

 Ray Sonin, host of the Saturday program "Calling All Britons" added the weeknight show "Down Memory Lane" to his workload.

1969
On July 25, CFRB Ltd, received approval to change CFRB's pattern on 1010 kHz with 50 kW.

Art Cole was hosting "Let's Discuss It". He had joined the station in 1968. Neal Sandy (overnight news) came to the station in June.

1970
Standard Broadcasting Corporation Ltd. applied to the CRTC for permission to purchase CHML and CKDS-FM in Hamilton. At the time, the rules denied licensees of stations from acquiring stations in close proximity.
The application was denied as it was decreed that Hamilton and Toronto were "too close".

On-the-air staff included: Wally Crouter, Jack Dennett, Earl Warren, Gordon Sinclair, Bill McVean, Betty Kennedy, Bill Deegan, Ray Sonin, Wayne Van Exan, Art Cole, Bob Hesketh, Charles Doering, Prior Smith (Reporter), and Neal Sandy. CKEY lured away commentators Pierre Berton & Charles Templeton.

1971
At the CFRB Clarkson transmitter site, two 550-foot towers were erected in place of 2 of 4 original 250-foot towers, greatly strengthening CFRB's ability to serve Toronto.

David Craig joined CFRB news. Neal Sandy became Queen's Park bureau chief.

Former CFRB personality Kate Aitken died December 11.

1972
On the retirement of Art Cole, Don Johnston left CHML Hamilton to accept the position of News Director of CFRB.

Standard Broadcasting Corporation Limited established Standard Broadcasting Corporation (U.K.) Limited in London, England to serve as a consultant to prospective applicants for commercial radio licenses. Retaining his role as President of Standard Broadcast Productions, Lyman Potts was appointed Managing Director of SBC-UK.

Bob Greenfield joined CFRB's news department.

1973
Don Insley was appointed Station Manager of CFRB, succeeding Jack Dawson who had retired. John Spragge was named Program Director.

Sue Prestedge was a CFRB ‘Good News Reporter'. Henry Shannon was doing traffic. Eric Thorson was in the news department.

1974
W.C. Thornton Cran, President of Standard Broadcasting Corporation Limited, retired . He was succeeded by H.T. (Mac) McCurdy, the President of CJAD Ltd.

The CRTC approved the purchase by Standard Broadcasting Corporation of the controlling shares of Bushnell Communications, the licensee of CJOH-TV in Ottawa.

Connie Smith was a ‘Good News Reporter'. She came from CKOC Hamilton and then left for CKVR-TV in Barrie.

1975
W.C. Thornton Cran died in June.

Torben Wittrup was in CFRB's news department. Bill Anderson joined the air staff.

Jack Dennett died August 27. His daily news and commentary broadcasts were the most listened to in Canada.

1976
Prior Smith was in the news department. Lyman MacInnis joined CFRB to do political and business commentary.

1977
The Jack Dennett Microphone Collection went on permanent display in the lobby of the CN Tower, Donated by CFRB to mark the station's 50th Anniversary, the collection included 14 microphones and a granite etching of the news broadcaster.

In February, CFRB celebrated 50 years of service with "What's 50 Years Between Friends".

George Wilson hosted "Starlight Serenade". Other on air names: John Dolan, John Bradshaw (gardening), Richard Needham & Caroline Carver (feature), Bob Greenfield (news), Tony Andras (reporter). Ray Sonin's wife Eileen died.

Andy Barrie joined CFRB from CJAD Montreal.

1978
Brothers G. Montagu Black and Conrad Black gained control of CFRB Limited when they acquired Ravelston Corporation from the widows of J.A. McDougald and W.E. Phillips. Ravelston, in turn, held the controlling interest in Argus Corporation, formed in 1945 by E.P. Taylor, J.A. McDougald and W.E. Phillips. Argus was the controlling shareholder of Standard Broadcasting Corporation Limited, the owner of CFRB Limited.

Bruce Dingwall joined the CFRB engineering department.

David Taffler was doing business reports, Dave Hodge was in the sports department. Don Johnston was news director.

Don Insley was named vice president and general manager.

Bev Cudbird, a regular contributor to "This Business of Farming" was now the station's meteorologist.

1979
Programming: 5:30 - World At Dawn, 6:00 - Wally Crouter, 10:00 - Earl Warren, 11:45 - Gordon Sinclair, 12:00 - Earl Warren, 1:00 - Bill McVean, 2:00 - Betty Kennedy, 3:00 - John Dolan, 5:45 - Gordon Sinclair, 6:00 - John Dolan, 6:30 - News with Torben Wittrup, 7:00 - Andy Barrie, 8:00 - Ray Sonin / Dave Hodge (Mondays), 9:00 - George Wilson, 11:00 - World Tonight, 11:20 - Bill McVean, 1200 - Wayne van Exan. Weekends - John Bradshaw (Gardening), Bill Deegan, Dr. David Ochterlony, Bob MacLean, Bill Anderson, Rod Doer, Paul Kellogg, Art Cole (Let's Discuss It). News - David Craig, Peter Dickens, Liz MacDonald, Eric Thorson, Chris Wilson, Charles Doering, Bill Rogers, Bob Hesketh, Bob Greenfield, Bill Walker, Torben Wittrup, Neal Sandy. Reporters - Sidney Margales, Jim Munson, Prior Smith, Wilf List (labour), Neal Sandy. Others - John Spragge (staff announcer /program director), Henry Shannon (traffic), David Taffler (business), Allen Spragget (horoscopes), Ron Singer (entertainment), Bev Cudbird (weather), Anita Burn (traffic), Valarie Pringle, Lyman MacInnis (commentary), John Stall. Sports - Fred Locking, Dave Hodge, Bill Stephenson, Doug Beeforth.

Notes - Valarie Pringle took over 7-8 p.m. Bill Deegan moved from PM drive to weekends in February, replaced by John Dolan. Bob MacLean joined.

1980
Donald Insley was upped to Vice-President for Radio for Standard Broadcasting. Bill Hall succeeded him as Vice-President and General Manager of CFRB. Program Director John Spragge was made a Vice-President.

Joining the news department were Peter Dickens, Chris Wilson and Brian Wrobel. Dave Hodge left CFRB's sports section but continued on Hockey Night In Canada. Bev Cudbird became CFRB's weatherman.

Dominion Stores made Gordon Sinclair an honorary director in recognition
of his significant contribution to the favorable development of the company's relations with the public. Dominion had been a long-time sponsor of some of his broadcasts.

1981
J. Lyman Potts C.M. , Vice-President of Standard Broadcasting Corporation Limited, retired. With 30 years of radio experience behind him when he was appointed in 1963 as Assistant the President of Standard, he played a formidable role in the growth of the company for two decades.

CFRB replaced the original transmitter building and equipment at its Clarkson transmitter site, but continued to use the existing antenna system. Two new Continental 50,000 watt transmitters were installed, providing the ultimate in redundancy and reliability. The old RCA 50 kw (and 10 kw back-up) transmitter installed in 1948, when the station was forced to move from 860 to 1010 kHz, was retired. A new programmable logic controller was added. It would be used for various control and surveillance functions, and was the first application of the system in radio broadcasting. This allowed for unattended operation and everything could be controlled from the studios. A diesel generator could handle the total building load for 72 hours in the event of a power failure. The new building was one-quarter the size of the old one. The $1 million project was completed in the summer.
Engineers Kirk Nesbitt, Bruce Dingwall and Clive Eastwood worked on the project.

George Daniels became vice president and general sales manager for CFRB. Art Cole retired. Frank Lehman, chief technician at CFRB retired after 33 years of service. He participated in the work on the new transmitter building earlier in the year. On-air names: Neal Sandy (reporter), Earl Warren middays), Valerie Pringle (returned to the station), Henry Shannon (traffic), Gene Kirby (joined from CKEY), Wayne Van Exan, Bill Deegan, Paul Kellogg, and John Stahl (joined from CKTB).

1982
Announcer John Dolan left to do news at CHFI-FM. Dave Hodge (sports) left. Hal Vincent was a reporter. John Bradshaw, CFRB's gardening expert for 32 years, left in June to pursue other interests. He was replaced by Art Drysdale. Announcer Paul Kellogg left for CKEY.

1983
A new transmitter for short-wave station CFRX was put into service at Clarkson, using two 50-foot vertical towers to form a directional pattern for better service to Northern Ontario.
 
Kenneth W. Whitelock became CFRB's general sales manager.

W.E. (Bill) Hall of CFRB was named a vice president of parent company Standard Broadcasting.

1983-84
Don Hartford retired from Standard Radio.

Gordon Sinclair dropped his Monday broadcasts. He was still heard Tuesday thru Friday.

1984
CFRB was testing two of the four AM Stereo systems: Motorola and Magnavox.

John Spragge was still a vice president at CFRB.

Bill Auchterlonie was now on the air at CFRB as a swing announcer. He had worked for the station in the early 1970's as an operator.

Lyman MacInnis was a financial expert on CFRB.

On July 30, stereo broadcasting over CFRB's AM transmitter was increased to 24 hours-a-day. This followed the completion of the station's new master control room (replacing 18 year old equipment). The production control room was used as the interim MCR while construction work was underway. This allowed for programming to continue without interruption. Over the past year, stereo broadcasting had taken place on CFRB between 9:00 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. while all equipment was upgraded to stereo. CFRB used the Motorola C-Quam AM stereo system. McCurdy Radio Industries supplied the new master control equipment.
At this time Bruce Dingwall was chief technologist in charge of studios and transmitters for CFRB.

Ray and June Sonin at Buckingham Palace

Ray Sonin, host of "Calling All Britons" for more than 25 years, received an MBE (Member of Order of the British Empire) from Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace. The Saturday afternoon program provided a large audience with music and news from Britain.

CFRB weatherman Bev Cudbird passed away.

Peter Shurman was named president of the radio division (Standard Radio) of Standard Broadcasting.

1984-85
Valerie Pringle left CFRB after 11 years, to co-host CBC-TV's Midday program. She was replaced by John Stahl. Promotions manager Betty Abrams left, and was succeeded by former copy director Peter Henderson. Newsman Neal Sandy left to do government work. Jacqueline Holt became copy editor, succeeding Peter Henderson who was now advertising and promotion director.

Andy Barrie rejoined CFRB.

1985
Long considered a middle-of-the-road music station, CFRB embarked on a gradual transition to adult-contemporary music-and-talk. By the early 1990's CFRB was completely all "news-talk".

Ralph Lucas became CFRB's program director. He had been vice president and general manager at sister station CJAD in Montreal.
 

Alan Slaight

On November 14, the CRTC approved the sale of Standard Broadcasting Corp. Ltd. to Slaight Broadcasting Inc. Slaight purchased Standard from Hollinger Argus Ltd. and other shareholders. (G. Montegu Black III and Conrad M. Black) Slaight was a privately owned company. Slaight in turn sold his Toronto stations (CFGM and CILQ) to Westcom Radio Group Ltd. Standard became a privately held company.

680 CFTR broke the long-standing record of CFRB as having the largest radio audience in Canada. CFRB hoped that programming changes made this year would help the station recapture the number one spot.

CFRB 1010 altered its night-time radiation pattern to improve service to the northwest.

John Burgess was an entertainment reporter at CFRB.

Kirk Nesbitt left CFRB to become director of engineering for Rogers Radio.

Murray Smith joined CFRB as entertainment editor. He had been at CKO-FM. Occassional host of "Starlight Serenade", David Ouchterlony, moved on to CFMX-FM. John Spragge left CFRB. John Donabie was now at CFRB. Both Bill Stephenson and Bob Hesketh marked 25 years with CFRB.

1985-86
With the change of ownership of Standard Broadcasting, Larry Nichols was no longer president of the company.

Bill Deegan (veteran CFRB announcer) and Mac McCurdy retired. Mac had been president and then deputy chairman of the company. He remained as a director.

Peter Dickens was replaced after many years on major breakfast newscasts by David Craig. Dickens would now co-ordinate morning newsroom activities. He would also continue to anchor the 12:30 p.m. newscast. Charles Doering moved from the 7:00 and 9:00 a.m. newscasts to do five minutes of news and comment at 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 a.m.

Bill McVean marked 20 years at CFRB.

1986
M. Earl Dunn died April 21 at age 70. He was retired operations manager of CFRB. Dunn joined the station in 1941, was with the RCAF from 1943-46 then returned to ‘RB. He was involved in many station broadcasts in his 40-year career.
Former CFRB reporter Mark Sherwin was now a reporter for NBC News.

After nine years with CFRB news, Ken Cox left for CKO.

Bill Hall retired as vice president and general manager at CFRB.

Peter Henderson left CFRB where he had been promotion manager. He was replaced by Perry Goldberg.

Paul Rogers left CFRB news for CFTO-TV.

Don Johnston was news director. Hal Vincent was Queen's Park reporter.

Wally Crouter marked 40 years as CFRB's morning man.

1986-87
Doris Dicks, who had a show on CFRB in the 1930s and 1940s (as Doris Scott), died at age 68. She was also a singer with the Percy Faith Orchestra.

The Toronto Argonauts signed a new three year contract with CFRB, renewing exclusive radio rights to all home games.

1987
CFRB marked 60 years on the air in February.

Former CFRB announcer Dean Aubrey Hughes passed away at age 79. He joined CFRB in 1935, moved to Associated Broadcasting Co. in 1937, and was then with the CBC from 1939 to 1965.

Gary Slaight

Gary Slaight became president of Standard Broadcasting. He had been manager of CILQ-FM.

David Ouchterlony died at the age of 73. He had been an early broadcaster with CBC Television and hosted radio programs at CJBC, CKFH, CKEY, CFRB and CFMX-FM over the years.

Ralph Lucas resigned as vice president of programming at CFRB.

Perry Goldberg left CFRB. He had been marketing director.

After 15 years as news director, Don Johnston left CFRB. He was succeeded by John Mcfadyen who had been news director at sister station CKFM.

Pat Marsden joined CFRB as afternoon sportscaster.

1987-88
George Ferguson became CFRB's vice president and general manager. He had been with CKWW/CJOM in Windsor.

Don Costello was operations supervisor.

1988
Sales manager Patrick Hurley left for CJCL 1430 to become general sales manager.

Taylor Parnaby was appointed news director while Ron Hewat was named general sales manager. Murray Johns was appointed retail sales manager.

Bob Hesketh retired from full-time duties at CFRB.

Wally Crouter signed a new five-year contract with CFRB. To mark the occasion, president Alan Slaight presented Crouter with the keys to a new Porsche 928.

Wolf von Raesfeld left CFRB as sales manager to become general manager of CKOC in Hamilton.

Telemedia picked up the Argos broadcasts from CFRB.

1989
Bob Greenfield left CFRB news.

1990
Beth Kidd was appointed promotions co-ordinator.

CFRB began the transition to a news talk format, airing newscasts every half hour, 24 hours a day, replacing the last hour of Wally Crouter's morning show with a news magazine, and extending the 11:00 p.m. news to a full hour.

1991
John Bradshaw passed away at age 75. He had been CFRB's garden show host and farm director from 1950 to 1982.

Dick Beddoes died August 24. He was 65. He had joined CFRB in January to do an hour-long talk show three times a week.

Just days later, Ray Sonin died. He was 84. Ray began working for CFRB in September of 1958 and was still working for the station up to the time of his death.

1992
Wally Crouter celebrated 45 years as CFRB's morning man with thousands of listeners joining him for breakfast on October 30 at the Sheraton Centre.

In September, when Fred Napoli announced on-air that CFRB was cancelling his all-night show Music Till Dawn, listener reaction was so great that the show was extended for a further year, finally ending in September 1993.

1993
Bill Baker died on December 21 at the age of 85. He started his broadcasting career in 1924. Baker was with sportscaster Wes McKnight for many years as engineer-operator, broadcasting sporting events from all over. Bill Baker retired around 1973, but remained an authority on the history of radio.

1994
Former CFRB announcer Gene Kirby (Gene J. Smith) died September 10, in his 64th year.

1995
Long-time CFRB traffic reporter Henry Shannon retired at the end of June.

Former CFRB newscaster Bill Walker passed away on June 25.
Andy Barrie left CFRB to host CBL's Metro Morning as of September 5.
CFRB became the radio voice of the NBA's Toronto Raptors. The team was owned in part by Allan Slaight, CFRB's owner.

CFRB's licence was renewed by the CRTC for only nine months. The Commission wanted to assess its guidelines to ensure high standards and appropriate responses to complaints.

1996
November 1 was Wally Crouter Day in Toronto. This was the day the 73 year old Crouter retired as CFRB's morning host. He was with the station for 49 years, and 10,000 shows. That was longer than any other morning announcer in North America. His last show on November 1 marked the beginning of his 50th year, and followed a month-long countdown of special events and on-air highlights from his career.

1997
CFRB/CKFM-FM general sales manager Christopher Grossman agreed to purchase CFBG-FM Bracebridge from Telemedia.

2000
After 19 years of service one of CFRB's two 50 kw Continental tansmitters was replaced by a solid-state Nautel XL-60 tranmitter.

2001
Former CFRB sports commentator Jim Coleman, 89, died January 14.
Dan Gallagher died at age 43. He was a weekend personality at CFRB. He was found in his Toronto home by family after he failed to show for his January 20 show.

Well known broadcaster, journalist and evangelist, Charles Templeton, passed away at age 85. He and Pierre Berton had hosted a commentary feature on CFRB in the past.

2002
On January 11, a new antenna system was put into operation. This was the third new array since the transmitter plant was moved from Aurora to Clarkson. Four towers with identical height of 690 feet were erected further south on the site, replacing two 50-foot towers and two 550-footers. The aircraft warning lights on the new towers, using the LED design, were the first to be authorized in Canada.

2003
H.T. (Mac) McCurdy, President of Standard of Standard Broadcasting Corporation from 1974 to 1985, died on September 3rd.

2007
On September 27, Astral Media Radio G.P. received CRTC approval to acquire the assets of the radio and TV undertakings owned by Standard Radio Ltd., subject to certain conditions. The purchase included CFRB-AM, CKFM-FM and CJEZ-FM.

Astral Media took ownership of the Standard stations on October 29.

2008
John Spragge passed away on December 16 at the age of 71. At one time, he was CFRB's program director, a position he held for 13 years. He joined the station after a ten year run at CHUM, followed by a few years with the Radio Sales Bureau and Standard Broadcast sales.

Jack Dawson, who had joined CFRB in 1939 as an annoucer and retired in 1973 as Vice -President & General Manager, passed away at the age of 91.

2009
Chief correspondent Tayler Parnaby retired in January. This also ended the only connection with CFRB's past...the 11:50 a.m. newscast which had belonged to Gordon Sinclair. Parnaby's retirement was part of Astral Media Radio's restructuring at a number of stations across Canada. A number of other CFRB news personnel lost their jobs - David Bent, Jane Brown, Bill McDonald and John Elston. Talk host Richard Syrett was also let go.

On August 27, 12 employees were let go at CFRB. Sherry O'Neil, general manager of Astral Media Radio's Toronto cluster said they are "evolving the product on air" to boost ratings. She added the move had nothing to do with the economy and that any money saved will be put back into the station. Mid day talk hosts Paul & Carol Mott were among those let go. News staffers, including newscaster Kris McKusker, and some producers were also now gone from the station. Michael Coren and Jacqui Delaney were also among the casualties.

On August 28, the CRTC renewed the transitional digital radio licence of CFRB-DR-2.

After being let go by CFRB, Astral gave Steve Kowch the opportunity to work a six month contract with sister station CJAD in Montreal. He accepted. He would be program and news director.

When Steve Kowch was moved to CJAD-AM Montreal, that station's program director Mike Bendixon took up the same post at CFRB. Mike had been with CFRB before being moved to CJAD a few years earlier.

In September, CFRB announced major program line-up changes to take effect on October 5. The station would become known simply as "Newstalk 1010" as well. John Moore would move from afternoon drive to mornings (5:30-9). Morningman Bill Carroll would return to the mid-day shift (9-1). Jim Richards would handle the 1-4 p.m. shift. Former Ontario Conservative leader John Tory would move from a weekend shift to afternoon drive (4-7). Ryan Doyle would remain in the 7-10 p.m. time slot. John Moore would be joined in the mornings by Rick Hodge (sports), former Breakfast Televisioon host Liza Fromer and Tarek Fatah on international affairs.

Sportscaster Rick Hodge left CFRB. Mike Fitzgerald was wake-up man on CFRB.

After 51 years in the radio business, Ron Hewat retired. He put in his last day as CFRB's specialty sales manager on December 31.

Compiled by:
Clive Eastwood, Vice-President, Engineering (ret.1986), CFRB Limited
J. Lyman Potts, Vice-President (ret. 1981), Standard Broadcasting Corporation
Bill Dulmage, CCF
Ross McCreath, CCF 

Updated January, 2010