Mighty Mo of '49

A look back at various radio stations

Mighty Mo of '49

Postby cart_machine » Thu Aug 01, 2019 6:04 pm

This story appeared in the Sun of September 17, 1949, accompanied by a photo of Don Wilson hovering over copy from a teletype encased in a wooden box (with a CKMO mike next to it.) See below.

This gives you an idea who was on the full-time staff at the time.

I believe CJCE signed on in 1922, not 1920.

Don Winchester was a decorated war vet who went to UBC after the WW2 hostilities and was a member of RadSoc from 1946-48 (chief announcer the final year while working at CKMO). It would appear his radio career was short and he was back in the military in 1950. He was either 28 or 29 when this article was written.

cArtie.

CKMO Welcomes 'Voice of The Sun'
By GEORGIE LANE

Vancouver's, pioneer radio station, CKMO, a monument to two men of a couple of decades ago, keeps right on the beam.
The men were the late R. J. Cromie, Vancouver Sun publisher, and the late R. J. Sprott of Sprott - Shaw Schools.
On the air 27 years, this station has been jumping off place for many well-known radio names.
This month it takes over as medium for "Voice of The Sun" twice daily with Don Wilson, veteran news announcer, giving news drawn from The Sun's world coverage at 12 noon and 10 p.m.
The station, year by year, has kept pace with progress.
It was started in 1920 with call letters CJCE, using a transmitter with a 50 watt output. It went into production in 1947 on a 1000 watt transmitter with latest RCA equipment. In early days the broadcast originated in the Bekins Building, now The Sun Tower. Today it takes to the air from 812 Robson. Don Wilson, 20 years a broadcaster, has just returned to CKMO, where he first started in radio as engineer announcer. In his 20-year cycle he has crossed Canada as a radio news announcer.
News can't rock Don, who tips the scale at a shade over 300 pounds, isn't self-conscious about it, and takes misfortune with a smile. When the Lord Mayor of London visited here years ago Don was drenched with smoke and steam when a switch engine rolled into the CPR depot just ahead of the special train. Big Mr. Wilson found it hard to go on with his description of the arrival. He couldn't see it.
Another popular station program is "Edith Adams' Cottage on the Air" broadcast, direct from The Sun Cottage every Tuesday from 2:30 to 3 p.m.
This lively station attracts lively people. Standing behind Mrs. R. J. Sprott, president, with Bruce Arundel, vice-president, and Mrs. Kay Willis, managing director, is a group of peppy personnel.
Nina Anthony is the hustling program director, a newcomer to CKMO who has gone through the mill in newspaper, radio, and advertising, on the Pacific Coast. She was recently radio director for Stewart-Lovick and Macpherson, advertising company.
Wally Garrett is assistant program director and chief announcer. Hal Rod has his own following as sports announcer; Tom Slattery is sales manager; Malcolm McKenzie is chief engineer, assisted by Stan Davis; Don Winchester and Monty McFarlane are versatile announcers.
Andy Thompson conducts a teen-age program from 5 to 6 p.m., and is the early morning man who runs the "rise and shine" hour daily at 6:30 a.m.
These are only a few names in a roster where even the smallest job is important.
"Despite changes," says Mrs. Willis, "we manage to maintain an esprit de corps that nothing can shake. A small job mishandled can throw everything out, just the way a part out of kilter can wreck a machine."
A few outstanding personalties who grew up in radio via CKMO are Don Forbes, the Richfield reporter from California; Bill Griffiths, disc jockey in Seattle; Jack Tregallas, Seattle announcer.


Image
User avatar
cart_machine
Advanced Member
 
Posts: 1710
Joined: Tue May 09, 2006 12:52 pm
Location: The Past

Return to Radio Station History

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 94 guests