Lewis Roskin (1920-2009)

Lewis Roskin
Roskin Lewis

Year Born: 1920

Year Died: 2009

Year of Induction: 2000

Except for a stint in the Canadian Army, Lewis Roskin remained a “career broadcaster”. At 17, he was an announcer specializing in sports at CJOC Lethbridge. In the ensuing 9 years, Lew learned everything he needed to know to set up and manage the program department of CJOB – Jack Blick’s brand new radio station in Winnipeg which was launched in 1946. 

In 1947, he went to CFRN in Edmonton as Program Director, and two years later to Dawson Creek, B.C. as General Manager of CJDC. 1954 found Lew as General Manager of the venerable CFCN in Calgary. A year later, he was back in Edmonton as Assistant Manager and General Sales Manager of CHED.  Five years later, in 1961 he moved to Vancouver, to become General Manager of CKLG.  

Another challenge opened up in Edmonton as Lew and his associates obtained a licence for the new station. CHQT – an AM station with “FM-type” programming. Lewis Roskin was the President and General Manager. In 1992, Lew opted for semi-retirement and formed a consulting company (Roskin Communications) to act as an advisor to CJCA Edmonton and others in Vancouver.

Whether in Winnipeg or Vancouver or points in-between, Lew took on an active role in community affairs. Similarly, he was prominent in promoting the best interests of Canadian broadcasters. He served two terms as president of the Broadcasters’ Association of Alberta, two terms as a director of the Canadian Association of Broadcasters and one term as president of the Western Association of Broadcasters; and he became a well-qualified member of the CAB’s Half-Century Club.

In 1984, Lew received the Golden Jubilee Award of the Canadian Association of Broadcasters.  In 1985, the Ad Club of Edmonton named him “The Advertising Man of the Year”.

In 2000, Lewis Roskin was inducted into the CAB Broadcast Hall of Fame.

Lewis Roskin died December 27th, 2009.