James F. Sward (1946-)

James Sward

Year Born: 1946

Year of Induction: 2001

Member of CAB Hall of Fame

Sward, James F. (1946- )

Jim Sward was just 20 years old when he was appointed General Sales Manager for CHSJ Saint John, New Brunswick. At 24, in 1970, he joined CKGM and CHOM-FM in Montreal as General Manager. In 1978, he moved to Toronto, to become President and General Manager of Rogers Broadcasting, a position which he held until 1989, when he was appointed President of Cantel Cellular. In 1993, Jim was named President and CEO of Global Television. He left Global in 2000.

Jim was active in the affairs of the broadcasting industry, including service as Chair of the Radio Board – later, Chair of the Television Board, and finally, Chair of the Board of Directors of the CAB in 1986.

In 1990, he was presented with the Edward S Rogers & Velma Rogers Graham award. In 1989, he received special recognition for his work with the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. Part of this award was in recognition of his role in helping to create FACTOR the Foundation to Assist Canadian Talent on Records.

In 2001, James F. Sward was inducted into the CAB Broadcast Hall of Fame.

Written by J. Lyman Potts – October, 2001